Suzanne Lawrie

Masters Candidate

Contact Details Postal: School of Geography, Population and Environmental Management Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia Email: susan.lawrie@flinders.edu.au Fax: 61 8 8201 3521

Completed Degree

Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) (Flinders)

Research Thesis

• Thesis Title
  Seed Dispersal Ecology of Bridal Veil (Asparagus declinatus)
  
• Thesis Supervisor
  • Dr David Bass
    
• Thesis Abstract
  
  Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) has long been identified as one of South Australia's worst environmental weeds. Recently, another Asparagus species, Bridal Veil (Asparagus declinatus), has spread into bushland across the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas and Kangaroo Island. Bridal Veil is a highly invasive geophyte that climbs up, smothers, and kills native vegetation. It forms a dense canopy shading out any shrubs and groundcovers. An extensive network of underground tubers also prevents the recruitment and establishment of native plants. Whilst little research has been conducted on the ecology of Bridal Veil its impacts appear to be similar to those of Bridal Creeper. Given the negative impacts Bridal Creeper has had on Australia's environment, there is some urgency for research on Bridal Veil to further the understanding of its ecology and potential for spread. With the release of host specific biological controls for Bridal Creeper there is a risk that Bridal Veil may become a more serious weed as Bridal Creeper is controlled.
  
  This project aims to provide information on one aspect of Bridal Veil - its seed dispersal ecology. Through fieldwork conducted across the lower Fleurieu Peninsula the project will identify what anim als are dispersing Bridal Veil seeds and the seed dispersal distance, direction and location. Elliot trapping of small mammals and mist netting of birds will be conducted to assess what animals are acting as seed dispersers and to identify their seed load . Multiple sites will be established for collection of voided seeds and observation of seed disperser. The information gathered from the fieldwork is an essential precursor to predicting the future spread of Bridal Veil and determining areas at high risk of invasion - information necessary for future management.

Asparagus declinatus infestations, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

View more pictures and information about Asparagus species.

Current Academic Program

• Higher Degree Research Thesis

Recent Scholarly Activities

• Honours Research (2000) - Thesis entitled:
  

  "Finding Animals Amongst the Weeds: An Audit System for Animal-Weed Relationships"

  The thesis examined the variety of relationships that exist between animals and weeds. Animals have been documented using weeds as a food resource, feeding substrate, habitat, nesting, breeding, shelter and protection from predators. However, current weed management activities fail to recognise these relationships. An audit was developed that enables weed managers to systematically account for animal-weed interactions.

  View my Honours thesis abstract

Publications

Conference Papers

• Lawrie, S.L. 2001, Finding Animals Amongst the Weeds: An Audit System, in 2001 Geography, A Spatial Odyssey, Proceedings of a Joint Conference for the New Zealand Geographical Society and the Institute of Australian Geographers, held 29th January - 2nd February 2001, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  

Other Interests

• Travelling around Australia
• Bushwalking and camping
• Growing native trees
• Bird watching
• Yoga
• Playing tennis
• Eating out (especially Thai)
• Listening to music