New research highlights improvements to identifying and modelling hollow‑bearing trees
The Natural Resources Commission engaged researchers from the Australian National University to look at how hollow‑bearing trees are identified and managed in State forests as part of the Coastal IFOA monitoring program.
The researchers used modelling and field surveys to test how well current approaches identify trees with hollows that provide habitat for wildlife such as gliders, birds and reptiles.
The study found the current Coastal IFOA definition does not reliably identify trees that provide the best habitat for hollow‑dependent fauna. The researchers proposed developing a clearer definition based on simple indicators such as tree species, diameter at breast height and visible hollows. The study also found that improved models are needed to better predict how many hollow‑bearing trees will persist following harvesting and how many trees contain hollows suitable for occupancy, before they can be used with confidence for long‑term monitoring.
The findings of this study could be considered by the Environment Protection Authority and Forestry Corporation of NSW as part of ongoing improvements to the Coastal IFOA.
Read more about this work here.
