Literature suggests that provision of artificial water through bores, dams and ground tanks has negative environmental effects through increased grazing pressure, prevention of native species regeneration and promotion of exotic species. Though some native species may benefit from increased water, other species may decline. In arid environments worldwide, few areas remain distant from water. In Australia, much water provision is though ground tanks storing diverted run-off following rainfall events. Whilst closure of tanks is a recognized means of reducing negative impacts there is reluctance to utilize this strategy. Consequently, there are few opportunities to study responses of plant and animal populations to such closures. ...
Westbrooke, M.E., Christie, F.J., Cook, S., Florentine, S.K., Gell, P. and Graz, P. (2010). Biodiversity impacts of ground tank closure in southeast Australian rangelands. In: Proceedings of the 16thBiennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, Bourke (Eds D.J. Eldridge and C. Waters) (Australian Rangeland Society: Perth).
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.