Changes in peri-urban land-use and avian communities

‘Peri-urban’ is used to describe the transition zone between urban centres and rural land.

Peri-urban areas typically have low-density housing at the urban fringe, amidst pockets of agriculture and fragments of remnant vegetation.

Worldwide, peri-urban development is one of the fastest growing forms of private land-use.

Developments often occur among, or in close proximity to, natural habitats, which impacts on native species abundance and community composition.

Despite the ubiquity and pace of peri-urban development, the ecological consequences of peri-urban expansion and the factors associated with this change that either enhance or reduce conservation values, remains relatively unknown, especially in Australia.

This study aims to investigate the influence of expanding peri-urban development on wildlife, using avian communities around greater Melbourne as a case study.

We hope to formulate advice for landholders, local councils and natural resource managers to conserve native avifauna in the face of future development.