Building biodiversity for thriving urban ecosystems – Theme: Conserve
Addressing research priorities
Would you like to undertake high-impact research that really makes a difference? WABSI consults extensively with end users and stakeholders to identify priority biodiversity science knowledge needs. This helps us develop timely and relevant programs that address critical needs and have a strong pathway to adoption.
Working with WABSI, and aligning your project to address key end user priorities, will help you maximise project funding opportunities and the impact of your research. We invite you to submit a project abstract. (Please demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more priority knowledge gaps.)
Theme 1 – CONSERVE
Theme 1 / Focus area 1 – REMNANT VEGETATION
| OUTCOME | OBJECTIVE | KNOWLEDGE GAPS |
| Existing natural areas thrive and are abundant with native flora and fauna | Prevent loss of existing natural areas in the Perth metropolitan area, peri-urban and regional urban areas Enhance tree canopy cover in urban areas Target areas that benefit most from biodiversity enhancement Practice optimal management of existing urban natural areas | What parts of the urban landscape/remnant habitats will benefit most from targeted urban biodiversity enhancement (Ranking: Top) How to prevent loss of canopy cover on residential land (Ranking: Top) How to reduce loss of important conservation areas due to shrinking coastal reserves (Ranking: Medium) How to manage the understory in urban forests (Ranking: Medium) How to introduce cultural burning practices in urban areas (Ranking: Medium) What is the optimal fire risk mitigation regime for urban bushland (Ranking: High) What is the impact of fire regimes on the urban environment (erosion, weeds, water quality, wetlands) (Ranking: Medium) |
Theme 1 / Focus area 2 – NATIVE FAUNA
| OUTCOME | OBJECTIVE | KNOWLEDGE GAPS |
| Herbivore density in urban areas provides optimal benefits to biodiversity resilience | Establish sustainable herbivore populations in urban areas | How to manage herbivore density (including reintroduction and culling) to optimise vegetation cover (Ranking: Medium) How to appropriately manage large vertebrates (Ranking: Low) How to manage human versus wildlife conflicts (Ranking: Low) |
More information: Building biodiversity for thriving urban ecosystems