246 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities
statistical power to detect change. Given these considerations, the initial selection
of attributes relies partly on the judgement and experience of the ecologists
designing a monitoring program. Over time, information obtained from
implementation of the monitoring program can be used to refine selection of
attributes based on these criteria.
Surveillance monitoring
Although AWC’s monitoring program focuses on key conservation assets, as
defined above, the program also invests in broader surveillance monitoring. AWC
aims to monitor a core set of vertebrate taxa at each sanctuary including small
mammals, diurnal reptiles and birds. Surveillance monitoring is important where
there is the potential for unexpected declines (Wintle et al. 2010; Lindenmayer et
al. 2015). There are numerous instances of such ecological ‘surprises’ in Australian
ecosystems, such as the decline of small mammals in northern Australia.
Monitoring vegetation, habitat and ecological processes
AWC’s monitoring program includes vegetation: an important component of
biodiversity in its own right and a primary determinant of habitat for fauna.
Attributes of vegetation structure and composition are monitored at the plot (ha)
scale, while vegetation patterns are monitored at the property scale (tens to
thousands of square kilometres). Monitoring also extends to ecological processes,
such as soil engineering (a function associated with many threatened mammals).
Developing sampling designs and monitoring protocols
To provide robust information on the status and trend of attributes, monitoring
programs must be based on appropriate survey designs. Important issues include:
Fig. 18.4. Extent of early and late dry season fire at AWC’s Brooklyn Sanctuary. Fire management on
Brooklyn began in 2005.