Population dynamics of Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea), a species of conservation interest in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia

Voet, Julian (2023) Population dynamics of Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea), a species of conservation interest in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia. Master's Research Project 2, Ecology and Evolution.

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Abstract

The wet forests in the Central Highlands of Victoria are characterised by an overstorey of Mountain Ash, prized for their timber. Within the footprint of this timber resource lies Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea), a small understorey tree associated with the wetter margins of these forests. The genus Persoonia is synonymous with complex life histories, including complex requirements for germination and long primary juvenile periods. Tree Geebung in particular has been regarded as a very long-lived species and dependent on ‘old age’ for reliable seed production despite limited supporting evidence. Evidence from extensive field observations over the last seven years supports mass regeneration of this species following forest harvesting, as well as some degree of tolerance to wildfire despite being considered a fire sensitive obligate seeder. Tree Geebung’s recent listing as an endangered species has, and will have, considerable implications for management. To maximise the effectiveness of our conservation efforts, it is important to address the knowledge gaps surrounding its ecology. Using a spatial analysis coupled with field surveys, this study aims to uncover key life history traits that are relevant to management (e.g., age of reproductive maturity) and shed more light on how Tree Geebung responds to the major disturbances, including wildfire and forest harvesting.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Research Project 2)
Supervisor name:	Smit, C.
Degree programme:	Ecology and Evolution
Thesis type:	Master's Research Project 2
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	19 Apr 2023 09:27
Last Modified:	19 Apr 2023 09:27
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/29494

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