2024 Cumberland Plain Research Funding Grant Recipient

Lead investigator: Professor David Eldridge (UNSW)

Co-Investigators: Dr Jingyi Ding (Beijing Normal University) & Vera O’Donovan (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service)

Project Summary: Semi-natural forest and woodland in the Western Sydney Parklands are largely devoid of coarse woody debris. This lack of habitat patches could potentially limit the reintroduction of small mammals that are now locally extinct. A recent experiment undertaken by Greater Sydney Landcare and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service aims to examine the impact of reinstating habitat patches (habitat homes) on plants and selected biota. However, we know from other relatively dry environments that coarse woody debris also plays an important role in restoring soil function, altering soil microbial communities and promoting germination of some plant species.

The study examines whether habitat homes influences soil surface structure and function (soil condition, respiration, carbon, nitrogen, other nutrients). The results could help us to identify potential impediments to restoration of functional faunal assemblages in the Western Sydney parklands.

The work will be promoted through a field day and at Science Week and addresses important research questions in relation to community engagement in science, and the importance, and restoration of, locally threatened ecosystems in western Sydney.