PDF 3733.pdf | Request a copy Full text restricted Available under University of Tasmania Standard License.

Abstract

Subantarctic tall tussock grassland and megaherb vegetation has been massively affected by feral herbivores on islands where both occur. The effects of rabbits in this vegetation on Macquarie Island were monitored using 66 permanent quadrats and numerous photo-points on the steep coastal slopes of the island from 1980 to 2007. Vegetation change after landslips was also monitored. At the start of this period rabbit numbers plummeted due to the introduction of myxoma virus, but then increased from the late 1990s. Over the years of reduced rabbit numbers, some recovery of tall tussock grassland took place. With the resurgence in rabbit numbers, successional patterns converged towards a uniform pattern of degraded vegetation with more bare ground. The patterns of vegetation change indicate that recovery of the vegetation, after eradication of rabbits, rats and mice, is likely to be rapid where degradation is recent and where seed sources are in close proximity. The exotic plant species currently on the island are unlikely to present a problem.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Scott, JJ and Kirkpatrick, JB
Keywords:	Disturbance · Vegetation succession · Grassland · Rabbit grazing · Landslips · World Heritage · Long-term monitoring
Journal or Publication Title:	Polar Biology
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag GmbH
ISSN:	1432-2056
DOI / ID Number:	10.1007/s00300-007-0367-y
Additional Information:	The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page