Chela Powell
Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science
The University of Melbourne
Mobile: 0402-733-005
Email: c.powell@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Degree
PhD
Thesis title
The role of the matrix in shaping arthropod diversity and community composition of native remnants embedded within a pastoral and blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus. Labill) plantation landscape.
Supervisors
Dr Peter Ades
Mr Nick Collett
Dr Charlma
Project outline
The principal aim of the study is to investigate the role of the matrix in shaping ground-dwelling arthropod diversity and community composition of native remnants embedded within a pastoral and blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus. Labill) plantation landscape.
Specific research questions:
- Does a change in land use from pasture to blue gum plantation have a positive, negative or neutral effect on arthropod communities within native remnants?
- Are there differences between the arthropod communities inhabiting remnants surrounded by plantations, pasture or those found in continuous native woodland?
- How does remnant area influence the composition of the arthropod community?
- How does remnant vegetation quality influence the composition of the arthropod community?
- Are there differences in the arthropod communities found at the edge or the interior of a remnant surrounded by either pasture or plantation?
This study seeks to identify the possible implications of blue gum plantation establishment on the arthropod communities of remnants that were previously surrounded by pastoral land. The outcomes of this study will be used to aid in the development of management strategies aimed at maintaining and enhancing arthropod biodiversity in the Green Triangle region. Remnants of varying sizes and vegetation quality will be compared for their ability to support arthropod communities similar to that of regional contiguous native woodland, with the specific aim of identifying those remnants that should be targeted for conservation management by plantation owners.
Qualifications
Monash University , Clayton 2005
Bachelor of Science with Honours (Major: Conservation Biology & Zoology)
Honours thesis title: Stress levels of urban and rural Noisy Miners, Manorina melanocephala
Publications
Presented at the International Congress of Entomology (ICE) conference, Durban, South Africa, 5th-12th of July 2008
Awards/scholarships
Current PhD funded by the CRC for Forestry scholarship.
Link to Postgraduate index page