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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 28(2)

An examination of the Stafford Smith–Morton ecological model: a case study in the Tanami Desert, Australia

R. Southgate A C D , G. Allan B and B. Ostendorf C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, PO Box 2130, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia.

B Bushfires Council of the Northern Territory, PO Box 2533, NT 0871, Australia.

C School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: southgate@kin.net.au

The Rangeland Journal 28(2) 197-210 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ06022
Submitted: 3 April 2006  Accepted: 2 June 2006   Published: 9 November 2006

Abstract

The pattern of substrate, climatic, vegetation and fire features in the Tanami Desert were considered in relation to the ecological model for arid Australia proposed by Stafford Smith and Morton. The nature and accuracy of spatial data used to describe and quantify the pattern of the landscape features were also examined. Components of the ecological model were accurately reflected in the study area. For example, substrates identified as the most productive amounted to less than 8% of the region, and there was substantial spatial and interannual variation in rainfall. However, a strong climatic gradient was also evident in the study area, a feature not accommodated for in the model proposed by Stafford Smith and Morton. Vegetative ground and shrub cover decreased from north to south and was strongly associated with increasing aridity and lower maximum and minimum temperatures. Spinifex (Triodia spp.) cover showed a curvilinear response. The spatial data for both substrate and fire history were reasonably accurate (around 90%) when compared with ground-truthed data, and is considered suitable to reflect ecological pattern and process in the Tanami Desert. Both the adequacy of the ecological model and accuracy of spatial data are important issues to consider before the development of statistical modelling for prediction of species distribution.

Additional keywords: fire, substrate, gradient, rainfall, temperature, arid Australia.


Acknowledgments

We are indebted for the assistance provided by Aboriginal people accompanying us on the field trips including Pharlap Dixon, Engineer Jack, Shorty Jangala, Darby Jampitjinpa, Irene Dixon, Tommy Driver, Jerard Driver, Lynnette Driver, Cindy Bartlett, Neville Poulson and Sarah Napangangka. Chris Grant assisted with data collection during part of the random plot survey. Sue Cathew and Jim Puckridge provided valuable comments on the manuscript. Finally, the study could not have been completed without support of the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission and funding from the Natural Heritage Trust. Part of the funding for the aerial survey was provided by the Easter Bilby fund supported by Coles Myer.


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Appendix 1.  The selection process used to define substrate categories from the geological map unit information supplied with the Australian Geological Survey Office 1:250 000 geological maps
A1