Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Progressing The Concept Of Landscape Function For Assessing Rangeland Health
Author
Bastin, Gary
Tongway, David
Ludwig, John
Publisher
The Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
2002
Body

Assessing landscape function is now an established component of rangeland monitoring programs. In this paper, we focus on the spatial arrangement of  perennial vegetation patches as a readily measured and useful indicator of landscape function. We demonstrate work in progress to verify indicators of landscape function. We then show how a recently developed directional leakiness index based on high resolution remotely-sensed imagery may allow up-scaling from ground-based assessment. Concurrent work involving simulation modelling of landscape processes is also contributing to this up- scaling. We explore the potential of satellite imagery, including recently available "hyper- spatial" and hyperspectral data, to

continue this up- scaling to paddock-scale where the real decisions about land management are made. Where vegetation patches are predominantly comprised of palatable forage, there should be a direct link between index values of landscape function and stability of livestock production. But what is the corresponding relationship between landscape function and biodiversity? We discuss possible functional relationships and support these with examples where data are available. Finally we comment on potential developments that may improve the versatility of landscape functional analysis for monitoring rangelands for production and conservation outcomes.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Paper
Additional Information

2 - 5 September, 2002

 

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 

 

ISSN 0-9596923-3-9

 
Conference Name
Australian Rangeland Society 12th Biennial Conference
Keywords
rangelands
Processes
livestock production
biodiversity
monitoring
production
conservation (storage)
Australia
Hyperspectral Data
Landscape Function Analysis
Leakiness Index