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Much of our work investigates bird assemblages in
cities where we are testing ideas about the causes
of decline of small birds. We are currently defining
the factors that might influence the composition
of birds in remnant bushland in cities. Our work
points to a significant role of Noisy Miners Manorina
melanocephala in limiting species in suburban areas
and we are beginning further work in this area. This
work also emphasises the importance of the characteristics
of the matrix in structuring assemblages in remnant
vegetation.
Our remnant studies have expanded to try to understand
the impacts on plant fitness, through reproductive
output and photosynthetic rates. We have also investigated
threshold sizes of remnants that affect diversity
in a range of taxa, including fungi, invertebrates
and vertebrates such as birds and frogs.
Current students
PhD
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Holly Parson
Factors affecting the insectivorous bird communities
in suburban habitats |
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Trish Hodgson
Bird communities in urban remnants
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John Martin
Movement,
foraging and site fidelity of Ibis in urban areas |
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.Ian
Drinnan
Thresholds of biodiversity in urban environments |
Future opportunities
• finding generalisations on how plant life
history traits are affected by fragmentation/urban
matrix
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defining the influence of garden structure and the
role of street plantings in maintaining diversity
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determining the role of Noisy Miners in controlling
diversity
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determining barriers to dispersal of birds
Current publications
Parsons H, Major R. E. and French K. (2005) Species
interactions and habitat preferences of birds inhabiting
urban areas of Sydney, Australia. Austral Ecol 31,
217-227
Densmore, P and French K (2005) The effects of
recreation areas and human presence on avian communities.'
Ecological
Management and Restoration 6,182-9.
French, K. Major, RE, Hely, K. (2005) The role
of nectar-producing plants in attracting birds to
gardens. Biol Cons 21,545-559
Parsons, H., French, K. & Major R.E. (2003) The
influence of remnant bushland on the composition
of suburban bird assemblages'. Landscape and Urban
Planning 66,43-56.
Other Kris
French Research Pages:
Forest
Ecology
Weed
Ecology
Endangered
Species
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