2010 - Chiang Mai University Forest Restoration Research Unit Visit to Biotropica

Dr Elliot and the Thai visitors

In 1994, several staff and students of the Biology Department, in Chiang Mai University's (CMU) Science Faculty, started to investigate the possibility of restoring forests on degraded sites in northern Thailand, by adapting the framework species method to local conditions. With a founding grant from Riche Monde (Bangkok) Ltd., and technical assistance from Bath University, U.K. (sponsored by the British Council), a research facility was established in collaboration with Doi Suthep-Pui National Park authority (under DNP) and named the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU-CMU). It now consists of an office and research tree nursery at the park headquarters, a community nursery and field plots at the Hmong village of Ban Mae Sa Mai, and an education unit in the Herbarium Building of CMU's Biology Department. Since 1994 FORRU-CMU has researchedmethods to restore forest ecosystems and their associated high biodiversity to degraded sites in Northern Thailand conservation areas.

Research staff from FORRU-CMU first visited Biotropica in 1996 to learn about the science of and practice of tropical restoration.  In January 2010, Dr Stephen Elliot, Dr Suthathorn Chairuangsri (Gwang) and Khwankhao Sinhaseni (Kim) travelled from Chiang Mai University to Biotropica Australia, and spent 5 days working with our staff learning about the latest in planting and propagating techniques. 

Click on the image above to read the article.

Andrew Lilley, Biotropica’s Former Field Operations Manager, instructed Dr Elliot, Gwang and Kim in the use of chemicals, including their safe handling, chemicals for different weeds, mixture rates and spraying techniques.  Andrew also instructed them in mechanical planting, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of using augers, the need for regular maintenance in remote areas and taught them how to use an auger.

Nigel Tucker, Biotropica’s Director and Manager, took Dr Elliot, Gwang and Kim to the National Parks Nursery at Lake Eacham to show them current propagating techniques, hygiene requirements, watering systems and the timeframes from germination to planting for different species. Nigel also arranged for a debate on Biodiversity/Carbon offsers with an excellent line up of experts.

“Many thanks to you and your staff for making our visit such an interesting experience. For me it was inspiring to revisit the plots and (Donaghy’s) corridor and see how far the ecosystem development has progressed”. Dr Stephen Elliot

2009

August 2009 - Biotropica Australia sponsors commissioned review article

In a first for Biotropica, the company provided sponsorship funding for a commissioned review on the evolution of the science and practice of ecological restoration in Australia.  The August 2009 edition of the Land and Water / Ecological Society of Australia affiliated Wiley-Blackwell journal, Ecological Management and Restoration contains a review article by the journal’s Editor Dr. Tein Mc Donald, and Chair of the Editorial Executive Prof. Jann Williams. 

 The article provides an excellent review and comment on the integration and sophistication of science and practice, within ecological restoration in Australia.  From a modest (and sporadic) infancy, McDonald and Williams detail the way ecological restoration theory and practice have melded and been assisted by a range of other disciplines over a longer period.  The article will undoubtedly be commonly cited in the literature for many years to come.

 Biotropica Australia is pleased to sponsor this inaugural commissioned review. 

August 2009 - Stevia ovata – A new weed for Australia

In 2006 Biotropica staff unearthed a new weed for Australia whilst undertaking environmental survey work in the Ravenshoe area of Far North Queensland.  Stevia ovata (Candy-leaf) is an exotic herb naturally found at higher altitudes between the southern United States and Venezuela, but is now established in a small area of the western Evelyn Tablelands.  Because this is a new record for Australia and so little is known about the plant, Biotropica has been co-ordinating control programs on behalf of a number of clients with properties affected by Candy-leaf.

 Biotropica personnel have now completed a wide range of tasks during this project including providing specialist advice to agencies such as Biosecurity Queensland, and mapping and trials / control works for clients including Ergon Energy and Powerlink QLD.  Biotropica field, crews lead by Andy Lilley, are now scouring the area to limit the plant to its current area of infestation. How the plant entered Australia remains unknown…...

August 2009 - Donaghy’s Corridor material published

The August edition of the journal Ecological Management and Restoration (EMR) contains a feature article by Biotropica Director and EMR Executive Board member Nigel Tucker, and his former colleague and business partner Tania Simmons.  The article focuses on the Donaghy’s Corridor project, and provides extensive data on the colonisation of the world’s first restored tropical habitat linkage (wildlife corridor) in Far North Queensland’s Wet Tropics. 

 This project provided a number of new insights into the way plants and animals might use replanted strips of habitat which join previously isolated areas.  In particular it showed that small mammals use such strips for long distance movements almost immediately, but that this movement is much reduced as replanted areas develop as habitat, and soon contain resources that are worth defending.  As soon as territories are established, movement is less frequent as animals on the move have to negotiate their way through newly occupied sites.   In just three years, 4500 native plant seedlings had germinated in just 2% of the linkage area, suggesting huge volumes of seeds have been dispersed into the site by colonising birds and mammals.

 Interested in learning more about Donaghy’s Corridor?  The TREAT website (www.treat.net.au) contains a number of articles about the project, which was recently (June 2009) nominated as one of the top 25 restoration projects in Australia and New Zealand (visit http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/countries/australianew-zealand/). Alternatively, visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife nursery at Lake Eacham, and check out the Donaghy’s Corridor display.

 Readers should also be on the lookout for the December issue of Ecological Management and Restoration which contains the results of a genetic study at Donaghy’s Corridor, the first such study anywhere in the world, and again with some insightful results.

February 2009 - New Website!

NEW Biotropica Website launched!!!
Please enjoy our new layout, and updated content.

January 2009 - Work Experience Student

Biotropica Australia welcomes Chua Yen Kheng from University of Queensland (Gatton) who has joined us for work experience over the summer.

Yen hails from Singapore and the wet and humid Tablelands remind her of home. She will be starting her third year in Conservation and Wildlife Management programme this year and has a keen interest in rainforest ecological restoration. She is glad that Biotropica Australia has given her the opportunity to be involved in environmental consultancy and ecological experiment works.

Biotropica Australia has benefited greatly from Yen’s experience and enthusiasm.  The time has flown by and she will be missed when she heads back to Brisbane to continue her studies.

December 2008 - Differential Global Positioning System Survey service now available

Many of our company’s clients require a level of survey accuracy which can only be produced using Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). In response to this need, Biotropica Australia has now acquired the latest Trimble DGPS system, linked to the Globalstar satellite network. This technology, combined with our in-house Arcview GIS can provide clients with sub-metre accuracy at a very competitive price. For clients such as Powerlink Queensland, Stanwell Corporation and the development/resources sectors, DGPS provides the level of accuracy required to ensure sensitive environmental features such as State or Federally listed plants are precisely located on Environmental Work Plans – ensuring accurate and reliable information for contractors and managers working in the paddock.

When coupled with Biotropica’s custom designed software, DGPS surveys can be used to produce a range of environmental management planning documents, tailored to your requirements. Biotropica uses other Trimble GPS/PDA technologies to meet the needs of different clients. Contact our office to discuss the most appropriate option with any of our experienced staff.