|
The Three R's
These are the prioritised actions for
ecological restoration as defined by an array of experts. Not only
will action in this order preserve the most important ecological
processes effectively but they will be create the most
cost-effective results.
Retention/Reservation of Indigenous
Vegetation
Remnant indigenous vegetation is much more
complex then we will ever be able to document or understand. The
array of species within natural vegetation don't just include the
easily seen plants and animals but of course many cryptic
organisms, such as mosses, lichens, soil flora and fauna etc. The
habitat features that wildlife require are also often present in
remnant native vegetation but are often absent in degraded sites
and revegetation efforts. Retaining natural vegetation is the
highest priority because it is the least expensive and most
effective way of preserving indigenous flora and fauna their
habitats.
Restoration of Indigenous Habitats
This phrase refers to sites where some or
minimal remnants of native vegetation remain. Restoration implies
that an initial framework or structure of native vegetation is
present to build around. The management responses to restoration
objectives will range from encouraging regeneration through weed
control to selective revegetation.
Revegetation of Indigenous Habitat
Replacing lost indigenous habitat
sometimes has to be done from scratch but this is the most
expensive and least effective option for restoring indigenous
ecosystems. Recreating the complexity of indigenous habitats and
eliminating competition from weeds to aid regeneration is a
difficult process and is not very effective on many occasions. | 