Cassowaries

Conservation planning for cassowaries at Mission Beach

Australian Tropical Forest Institute (ATFI) Seminars

Date: Thursday 28 May 2009

Time: 3.30 – 4.30pm (light refreshments will follow)

Location: Room E2.113A ATFI Lecture Room), Building E2, JCU Smithfield campus, McGregor Road, Smithfield, CAIRNS

Synopsis:
    
A method was developed to identify future habitat conservation priorities in the Mission Beach area. Maps depicting land suitability for habitat protection and restoration were created using CommunityViz software. Habitat is rated as suitable or not, for protection and restoration based on the summed biodiversity significance, threat, condition and protection indices. The system provides simple means to alter the variables to allow prioritisation in a range of different contexts – for example prioritisation for inclusion in the formal protected area estate, or for investment in habitat rehabilitation for weed removal. CommunityViz has been designed particularly for community applications where technical simplicity and cost-effectiveness are key drivers.

In order to explore these opportunities for restoration and protection, geographical information systems (GIS) and planning support systems (PSS) are used in conjunction with a community engagement process to develop a series of scenarios for exploration of rehabilitation/restoration options. We began by identifying four models: biodiversity, threat, condition and protection.

This exercise will allow natural resource planners and managers to better identify conservation priorities and appropriate strategies for moving forward across a whole range of their responsibilities in habitat restoration and protection

Our results will become part of an interactive biodiversity mapping platform and help guide investments in habitat protection and restoration through the Mission Beach Habitat Network Action Plan.

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