Events

The role of philanthropy in scientific research

Speaker: Nancy Pallin (Paddy Pallin Foundation) 

 AND

It’s a long way to the top: ecological strategies of exotic climbing plants in littoral rainforests of NSW

Speaker: Rachael V. Gallagher (Macquarie University), winner of the 2008 Paddy Pallin Foundation science grant for conservation-based research

Exotic climbers smother surrounding vegetation, reduce light levels on the forest floor and contribute to the formation of canopy gaps through the breakage of host tree branches. Often referred to as ‘transformer’ weeds, exotic vines are  particularly problematic in closed canopy forests and are a key threat to the remaining remnants of littoral rainforest in NSW. Littoral, or coastal, rainforests have been extensively cleared for development and sand mining over the last century and now occur as isolated patches where edge effects and disturbance increase their vulnerability to invasion. Using comparisons of the leaf and seed traits of native and exotic vines I explore the invasion process and consider the consequences for local animal and plant richness, habitat structure, and dispersal mutualisms in this endangered ecological community. I also consider the role of climate in invasion success under current conditions and in coming decades.