Publications
Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia
Southern Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans) show rapid recovery in lightly and moderately burnt areas of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, following the 2019–2020 mega-fires. Unlike severely burnt transects where gliders were eliminated due to complete loss of eucalypt foliage, populations in less affected areas rebounded within four years, with some exceeding pre-fire levels by 45%. This recovery was likely aided by high post-fire rainfall but underscores the critical need for fire management and habitat protection. The study highlights that severe wildfires can irreparably damage glider populations, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-quality habitat and wildlife corridors to ensure species survival.
Impact of the 2019–20 drought, heatwaves and mega-fires on Greater Gliders ( Petauroides volans ) in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, New South Wales
The 2019–20 drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area led to a staggering 61% decline in the population of the threatened Greater Glider (Petauroides volans). Researchers found no gliders on severely burnt transects where 100% of eucalypt foliage was killed, while those on low-to-moderate severity burns declined by 43%. Even unburnt areas saw a 34% drop, likely due to drought and heat stress. The study analyzed 773 fire-affected sites, revealing that 84% of glider habitats were burnt, with 50% at low-to-moderate severity and 34% at high-to-extreme severity. Gliders relied on trees with unburnt foliage, avoiding those with only epicormic regrowth, possibly due to predator vulnerability. This unprecedented decline underscores the severe impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable species in World Heritage Areas.
Nature tourism trends in Australia with reference to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
A significant decline in domestic per-capita nature tourism visitation was observed in Australia and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from 1998 to 2012, challenging assumptions about the growth of this sector. The study compared visitation trends with population growth, revealing that while nature-based tourism remains economically vital, its per capita decline poses risks for biodiversity conservation and local economies. Strategies to boost visitation, particularly targeting children to foster long-term environmentally responsible behavior, are recommended as critical for sustaining park survival and political support.
Promoting the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: environmental presentation within tourist brochures
Tourism brochures from the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area reveal significant gaps in promoting environmental and conservation values, with limited use of 'World Heritage' branding and minimal representation of non-modified eucalyptus environments. The study analyzed materials from Visitor Information Centres (VICs) to assess their effectiveness in raising awareness about the region's ecological significance. Findings indicate inconsistent promotional efforts across VICs, hindering both brand recognition and environmental consciousness. This suggests that 'green' advertising in this context has not yet reached its full potential, despite the area's UNESCO designation.
Unintended de-marketing manages visitor demand in Greater Blue Mountains World heritage Area
Unintended de-marketing strategies have been found to effectively manage visitor demand in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), Australia. This research builds on previous studies by Kotler and Levy (1971) and Armstrong and Kern (2011), providing additional evidence that such approaches can influence visitor behavior, either temporarily or permanently. The study supports the notion that de-marketing, originally conceptualized to discourage certain groups of visitors, plays a significant role in protecting fragile ecosystems and managing tourism impacts. While the specific methods are not detailed, the findings highlight the unintended but beneficial effects of de-marketing on visitor demand in protected areas.
Using endemism to assess representation of protected areas – the family Myrtaceae in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
A study assessing the representation of Myrtaceae species within protected areas reveals that 16% of their ranges are endemic to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), with a higher endemism rate (33%) observed for species with smaller ranges. The research introduces spatially-based quantitative measures, weighted endemism (WE) and corrected weighted endemism (CWE), to evaluate how different land units within protected areas contribute to conservation efforts at both regional and continental scales. While the genus Eucalyptus significantly contributes to endemism scores, Leptospermum shows 3.7% less restriction than expected, whereas Melaleuca is 5% more restricted. The findings highlight centres of high endemism within the GBMWHA and provide a scalable method for quantifying conservation significance in protected areas.
Potential lantana invasion of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area under climate change.
A 2°C rise in temperature could make 94% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area suitable for lantana invasion, up from just 8% under current conditions. Minimum temperature emerged as the dominant predictor, accounting for over 88% of the variation in potential lantana establishment, underscoring its critical role in the weed's expansion. The study used habitat suitability modeling to simulate future conditions, revealing that low-lying riparian areas pose significant risks as invasion pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive management to curb lantana's spread and protect the region's biodiversity.
The impact on native herpetofauna due to traffic collision at the interface between a suburban area and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: an ecological disaster?
A seven-year survey of suburban streets in Faulconbridge, at the interface between urban areas and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, revealed significant herpetofauna mortality due to vehicle collisions. Over 86 reptiles representing 20 species—38% of local lizards and 56% of snakes—and six frog species (33% of local frogs) were documented as road kills, highlighting a substantial ecological impact on native fauna. The study, conducted from 2003 to 2010, involved weekly foot surveys along 1.4 km of suburban roads, typically soon after dawn. With 26 towns within the World Heritage Area and extensive road networks interfacing with national parks, the findings underscore the broader threat to biodiversity in such ecologically sensitive zones.
Aboriginal rock art depictions of fauna: What can they tell us about the natural history of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area?
Aboriginal rock art in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) provides valuable insights into the natural history of the region, particularly regarding mammal distributions. Research since 2001 has uncovered numerous previously unknown rock art sites, especially in Wollemi National Park, which depict a variety of animals. By integrating archaeological studies, contemporary Aboriginal knowledge, and natural history data, this study reveals patterns of past and present mammal distributions while addressing the challenges of reconciling different databases and knowledge systems over time. The findings highlight the potential for such interdisciplinary approaches to deepen our understanding of ecological changes. Additionally, the research underscores threats to both cultural and natural heritage, particularly from altered fire regimes and climate change, which pose risks to both mammals and rock art sites.
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