BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 832          Total No. of Sites: 29
Survey/Project Name: IMPACTS OF FIRE ON ORCHID POLLINATION-Mount Lofty Block
Abstract: This project combines traditional plant and insect ecology with advanced molecular techniques to ascertain the effects of fire management on terrestrial orchids and their pollinators in fragmented landscapes of South Australia. Although fire can promote the flowering of many species of terrestrial orchids, the effect of fire on the reproductive output and hence longterm population viability of these orchids is unknown. In particular, orchids that depend on specific pollinators may be more susceptible to disturbance regimes. The aims of this project are : To assess the effect of fire on the reproductive output of threatened orchid populations in the Mount Lofty Region, taking into account the impacts of pollination, grazing, seed viability and seedling establishment. To assess the response of several species of orchids with contrasting pollination biology to fire management regimes. To assess how populations of generalist and specialist insect pollinators respond to fire regimes. To develop rapid molecular techniques to identify orchid pollinators and pollinia.
 
Start Date: 01/06/2012      End Date: 31/05/2016
Survey Type: Other
   
Study Area Description: Exact locations have not been finalised and will be subject to locations of prescribed burns. All sites will be within the Mount Lofty Region, and are located on DEWNR reserves, SA Water and Forestry SA land.
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: Several control and burn sites will be surveyed throughout the Mount Lofty Region. At each site, vegetation and habitat characteristics will be assessed, and each orchid species located within subplots will be recorded. Individual orchid plants of target species will be tagged and reproductive success monitored throughout the study period. At selected sites, pollinator communities will be surveyed using a variety of trapping methods. Detailed methodology can be found in the Research Permit Application U26079-1.
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Monitoring - Vegetation/Ecosystem (ie species records - usually re-visited for ongoing monitoring) NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Information Authority: University of Adelaide - Department of Environmental Biology