WILDLIFE CORRIDORS -- THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY IN RURAL AUSTRALIA

摘要

In Australia, revegetation efforts have been used to address soil and water conservation problems such as streambank erosion, wind erosion and salinisation. Planted areas such as linear strips of vegetation (or corridors) are often also considered tohave other important values such as for the conservation of biodiversity. This paper examines this potential role given that the establishment of vegetation corridors is a widely advocated response to address wildlife conservation issues resulting fromthe widespread clearing of native vegetation in rural landscapes. Wildlife corridors may complement the existing reserve network by potentially increasing the effective habitat area for wildlife and enhancing the links between remaining and revegetated patches of vegetation However, wildlife corridors may not be effective for the conservation of all species. Therefore, their establishment is not the solution to all biodiversity conservation problems. Both the advantages and the disadvantages need to beconsidered when determining whether the establishment of a corridor network is desirable for nature conservation. A corridor development process, linked to other landscape management approaches such as property planning and catchment management, may helpincorporate these considerations through the participation of landholders, extension personnel and scientists.