207-106 Conservation of Australian Forests

By completion of the subject the student should:

• understand the current status of conservation of Australian forest communities;

• have a basic knowledge of the complexities of forest conservation issues and of the ecosystems involved; and

• be able to develop a rational and well-argued position on conservation issues concerning Australian forests and woodlands.

The subject includes:

• an introduction to Australian forest communities and their conservation;

• recent historical patterns of change in Australian landscapes;

• current issues in the conservation of Australian forests;

• sustainable management in forest communities and the implications for old growth forests and conservation of forest types and wildlife; and

• the implications of plantation expansion for native forest management.

A 3-hour examination (50%), one major assignment (3000 words) partially based on the 2-day field practical (20%), and up to 3 short assignments based on the field excursions (totalling 30%).

• L F Costermans, Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas. Costermans Publ., 1994.
• J B Kirkpatrick, A Continent Transformed: Human Impact on the Natural Vegetation of Australia. Melbourne Oxford University Press, 1999.