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Repeat photography from locations across Macquarie Island were visually compared to detect and categorise temporal changes in vegetation for each site. Photographs of the same scene in 1980, 2009 and 2014 were used. Terrain variables were used as predictor variables to investigate potential drivers of different types of vegetation change. Satellite-derived vegetation indices were compared with the on-ground photography for the latter period. Dataset derived from visual analysis of a collection of repeat photography images from Macquarie Island. Three images from different years were compared for each location: 1980, 2009, 2014. Changes in vegetation were recorded for two change periods: 1980-2009 and 2009-2014. MI Plateau 35year photo series_GPSdata and notes_Aug15_COPY.xlsx Photograph metadata (location, dates, etc) photochangesplateau.xlsx Observed changes for each photopoint photochanges_georef_3class.csv Reclassified change data WorldView_SVI_change_terrain.xlsx Spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) derived from WorldView satellite sensor for photopoint locations. Calculated using ENVI software. NDVI - Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. MTVI - Modified Triangular Vegetation Index. SGI - Sum Green Index. JScott photos 1980-2014.kmz Location of photo points (i.e. location of photographer) Shapefiles ESRI shapefiles of point locations of centrepoint of 'photo zones', i.e. the subjectively defined areas where change was recorded within the viewshed of each photograph. data R files detailing data analysis plus csv files of data used for analysis. Classes of vegetation/landscape: Grass - short grassland (not Poa tussock) vegetation dominated by Agrostis, Luzula, Deschampsia, Festuca Pleu - Pleurophyllum hookeri Poa - Poa foliosa Ace - Aceana magellanica and A. minor Stilb - Stilbocarpa polaris (syn. Azorella polaris) Bare - bare ground Moss - bryophytes Poly - Polystichum vestitum Az - Azorella macquariensis Az dieback - dieback of Azorella cushion plants (present/absent) Change classes: decrease no change increase Data files use 0/1 values for binary data 0 = true/absent 1 = false/present 999 = NA/no data e.g. GrassInc80 with a value of 0 means no increase in grass observed in the 1980-2009 period, AceDec09 with a value of 1 means Acaena spp. did decrease in the 2009-2014 period, landslide = 0 means site (polygon) not impacted by a landslide Some datasets have been recoded to 4 categories: 0/1/2/3 value for decr/stable/incr/NA(unknown) e.g. Poa80 = 0 means Poa foliosa decreased in the 1980-2009 period, Bare09 = 1 means bare ground stable (no discernible change) over 2009-14
This spreadsheet shows the location and health status of Azorella macquariensis plants in study plots across Macquarie Island between the summers of 2008/09 and 2011/1 2. These locations are presented in figure 2 of Bergstrom et al (in press). The dataset shows 523 sites at which a vegetation survey was conducted by one of the authors. Locations were marked with either a differential GPS (+/- 0.5 m) or a handheld GPS (+/- 5m), and plot sizes ranged between point locations (AT and JS), 5 x 5 m (those acquired by DB, PB) and 30 x 30 m (those acquired by (JW and Tasmanian Parks and wildlife staff ). In each plot, the researcher recorded whether Azorella was present, and if present, whether dieback was also present. Many of these sites were repeatedly visited over the study period, and the Azorella status is reported for the final year of survey in that plot. The table below provides details of the fields in the spreadsheet. Field Name - Description AzMaClass - Status of Azorella macquariensis in that study plot. Possible values are: Healthy Azorella, Dieback present, or No Azorella Researcher - Name of the researcher who collected the data SiteID - Unique identification code for each study plot Easting - Easting in UTM Zone 57S Northing - Northing in UTM ZOne 57S
In 2010-11 a whole island survey or Macquarie Island was undertaken by Justine Shaw and Aleks Terauds. Quadrats (1m * 1m and 10m *10m) formed the basis of these surveys. At a minimum, quadrats were surveyed at the centroid of each 1 km * 1 km grid square. Other quadrats were surveyed along the survey track depending on the presence of non-native plants. Native plant coverage was also recorded in most quadrats. The download file contains an Excel spreadsheet. The spreadsheet contains three worksheets, two of which contain keys to the third worksheet (the data worksheet). Information from the two keys is summarised below: Key to Field Headings Island was divided into 1 km x 1 km cells (see associated shapefile). A ‘track’ of minimum length 750 m (and usually between 1-2 km) was walked through each cell from 1 km centroid to 1 km centroid (again with 1 m2 and 10 m2 quadrats). At a minimum, the centroid of each cell was surveyed for alien plants using a 1 m2 and 10 m 2 quadrat. Other quadrat based surveys were carried out along the track (again with 1 m2 and 10 m2 quadrats) when alien plants were detected. In most cases native plant coverage was also noted in each quadrat. Percentage cover was calculated for Poa annua, Cerastium fontanum, and Stellaria media. Number of plants was also documented for Cerastium fontanum and Stellaria media, not Poa annua as individual plants can’t be easily identified. The presence or absence of alien species was recorded along each track. For analytical purposes, each track was divided into 10 m segments, and the presence or absence of alien plants in these was then used to calculate the ‘proportion’ of each plant in each 1 km cell. For example, a 1km track through a cell has 100 ten metre segments, if 40 of these had Poa annua present, then the cell was allocated a proportional value of 40% for Poa annua (see shapefiles for actual data and visual representation). ID Cell ID LongitudeI Centroid of 1km cell longitude LatitudeI Centroid of 1km cell latitude C_poa 1x1 m quadrat percentage cover of Poa annua - note no number of plants for Poa annua because separate plants can't be identified C_cfA 1x1 m quadrat percentage cover of Ceastium fontanum C_cfN 1x1 m number of Cerastium fontanum plants in quadrat C_smA 1x1 m quadrat percentage cover of Stellaria media C_smN 1x1 m number of Stellaria media plants Q_poa 10 x10 m quadrat percentage cover n of Poa annua -- note no number of plants for Poa annua because separate plants can't be identified Q_cfA 10 x10 m quadrat percentage cover of Ceastium fontanum Q_cfN 10 x10 m number of Cerastium fontanum plants in quadrat Q_smA 10 x10 m quadrat percentage cover of Stellaria media Q_smN 10 x10 m number of Stellaria media plants Q_veg native veg composition - see attached worksheet for key Q_rab rabbit grazing present? (centroid only) Q_die Azorell dieback present? (centroid only) Vegetation key, numbers are percentage cover, will generally add up to 100 az Azorella macquariensis fm feldmark bare no veg hb herbfield - Megaherbs - mainly Pleurophyllum sc complex of short grass, typically Agrostis, Luzula, Festuca, co Colobanthus spp. (also sometimes colo) by bryophytres mr mire pa poa annua sg short grassland sh short herbs, Acaena spp, Cardamine sp., Montia sp. sgh short grass herb complex ttg tall tussock grass, typical Poa foliosa DR damaged by rabbits
The main purpose of the field campaign of Nov-Dec 2015 was to glean real-world data to facilitate the use of a model-data fusion process to infer the exchange of sensible heat and moisture fluxes from healthy and unhealthy A. macquariensis cushions in an effort to quantify differences in the exchange of heat and moisture between stressed and unstressed plants. Recent observations (April 2015) and previous research into the decline of A. macquariensis on the island suggest that exposure may also be linked to cushion health which raises a concern that changing microclimates as a result of changing synoptic weather may provide a key stressor for the cushions. Thus, the field campaign of Nov-Dec 2015 concentrated on an area where there was a good selection of healthy and unhealthy cushions across the landscape and where we could find facing sheltered and exposed slopes of similar steepness and cushion density. The research site chosen was located near Pyramid Peak where a selection of healthy and unhealthy cushions was available at both sites, unlike the northern part of the island where most cushions appear to be damaged and southern Macquarie Island where most cushions show little signs of damage. Data were collected using a standard automatic weather station (AWS) that provided general weather data for the region from 27 Nov, 2015 to 23 Feb, 2016. Intensive sites were located on each slope at similar heights from 28 Nov to 18 Dec, 2015. Meteorological measurements at these sites included net radiation, PAR, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture and soil and cushion temperatures. In addition, three intensive 24-hour sampling campaigns occurred to determine the daily evolution of wind and temperature profiles together with cushion surface temperatures (using IR thermography) under different meteorological conditions; cloudy, partly cloudy and clear (8-9 Dec; 12-13 Dec; 15 Dec, 2015). Cushion temperatures were also measured from 19 Dec, 2015 to the end of February, 2016. Taken from the abstract of the "Meta Data Report" in the download file: This report provides metadata and explanations to support the datasets collected during the field excursion to Macquarie Island 2015-2016 as part of Project 4192, Ball. The main purpose of the field campaign of Nov-Dec 2015 was to glean real-world data to facilitate the use of a model-data fusion process to infer the exchange of sensible heat and moisture fluxes from healthy and unhealthy A. macquariensis cushions in an effort to quantify differences in the exchange of heat and moisture between stressed and unstressed plants. Recent observations (April 2015) and previous research into the decline of A. macquariensis on the island suggest that exposure may also be linked to cushion health which raises a concern that changing microclimates as a result of changing synoptic weather may provide a key stressor for the cushions. Thus, the field campaign of Nov-Dec 2015 concentrated on an area where there was a good selection of healthy and unhealthy cushions across the landscape and where we could find facing sheltered and exposed slopes of similar steepness and cushion density. The research site chosen was located near Pyramid Peak where a selection of healthy and unhealthy cushions was available at both sites, unlike the northern part of the island where most cushions appear to be damaged and southern Macquarie Island where most cushions show little signs of damage. Data were collected using a standard automatic weather station (AWS) that provided general weather data for the region from 27 Nov, 2015 to 23 Feb, 2016. Intensive sites were located on each slope at similar heights from 28 Nov to 18 Dec, 2015. Meteorological measurements at these sites included net radiation, PAR, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture and soil and cushion temperatures. In addition, three intensive 24-hour sampling campaigns occurred to determine the daily evolution of wind and temperature profiles together with cushion surface temperatures (using IR thermography) under different meteorological conditions; cloudy, partly cloudy and clear (8-9 Dec; 12-13 Dec; 15 Dec, 2015). Cushion temperatures were also measured from 19 Dec, 2015 to the end of February, 2016. Section 1 presents detailed information about instruments, variables and sampling periods for each dataset. Section 2 provides some useful information on the experimental design.
This data set deals with embolism repair in two species of cushion plants (Colobanthus muscoides and Azorella macquariensis) which grow on Macquarie island and rely on protoxylem for water transport. Detailed description of each file can also be found in the readme.doc file. Index: Movies 1 and 2: Movies of in vitro embolism resorption in Colobanthus muscoides. 1 frame per 0.5s. Both movies have the same scale bar, shown on Movie 2. Images 1-13: Bright field time series of in vivo protoxylem embolism resorption in Colobanthus muscoides. Scale identical for all images and visible on Image_6. Images 14-17: Confocal images of protoxylem of Azorella macquariensis (Image_14 and Image_15) and Colobanthus muscoides (Image_16 and Image_17). Scale identical for all images and visible on Image_16 and Image_17. Images 18-23, 26: Cryo-SEM images of protoxylem of Azorella macquariensis (Image_18, Image_19 and Image_26) and Colobanthus muscoides (Image_20 to Image_23). Images 24-25: Bright field images of in vitro protoxylem embolisms in Colobanthus muscoides. Measurements.xls: Measurements on individual bubbles obtain from in vitro embolism resorption in Colobanthus muscoides. See the download file for a detailed description of the methods used in this project.
The endemic, keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Macquarie cushion) has undergone rapid widespread decline across Macquarie Island in 2008/2009, resulting in its listing as critically endangered in 2010. Initial research suggests that Azorella dieback is likely driven by a decadal reduction in plant available water, as a result of a significantly changed regional climate, which may have facilitated a secondary putative pathogenic infection of weakened plants (Bergstrom et al. 2015, Whinam et al. 2014). This data was collected as part of Catherine Dickson's PhD thesis 'Impact of climate change on a sub-Antarctic keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Apiaceae)'. Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae, Macquarie cushion) cover and condition (dieback) records were taken from 90 sites across Macquarie Island between January and March 2017, including eight null sites with no Azorella cover. Seventy sites (706.86m2, 15m radius) were randomly stratified using a terrain class model (TCM) to ensure that all potential microclimates that A. macquariensis might be exposed to were surveyed. An additional 20 sites were established to increase coverage with core Azorella habitat, most were collocated with historical sites (Bergstrom et al. 2015, Whinam et al. 2014, Bricher et al. 2013). Methods for the TCM are in Dickson et al. in prep and Baker et al. in prep. The centre of each site was recorded (UTM, GDA94, +/-5m), but not permanently marked. Azorella macquariensis cover and dieback was recorded for each of the four quadrants within the large site (divided by cardinal points, i.e. NE, SE, SW, NW), to the nearest 1% for values under 10% and 5% for values over 10%. Site values were subsequently calculated in both percent and m2. Bare ground was also assessed using this method. For this data set no differentiation between the ‘types’ of A. macquariensis dieback was made, i.e. very low levels of wind scouring dieback and extensive death from pathogens. No attempt was made to count the number of A. macquariensis individuals, as cushions and mats can be made up of multiple individuals. Form and size classes were made for this study and presence/absence was recorded on site, including whether the form had dieback within it. The vegetation community was described and a presence/absence of all vascular flora was recorded on site. The proportion of gravel size classes were recorded for visible surface bare ground (Sur) across the site and in one representative soil pit which was dug to 250mm deep, within the primary root zone of A. macquariensis. Site values of nine topographic variables (derived from the Macquarie Island DEM) thought to affect evapotranspiration rates are provided, following the methods of Bricher et al. 2013. Topographic values are a point value, taken at the centre of the site. An excel file containing the location and biotic and abiotic sites values for 90 sites is available. Headings include: Site name, Data, Location (UTM, GDA94), terrain class model (TCM) cluster code, Azorella cover and dieback (%), Azorella form and size classes (x10), presence of Azorella dieback in size and form classes (x10), site topographic values (elevation (m), distance to coast (m), curvature, distance to west coast (m), topographic wetness index, topographically derived wind speed (km/hr), annual solar radiation (W/m^2), aspect (deg), slope(deg) ), site bare ground, surface gravel classes (% x6 classes), soil pit gravel classes (% x4 classes), parent geology, vegetation community, presence/absence of all vascular flora.
Azorella macquariensis leaf traits were assessed across Macquarie Island (lat, longs: N - 54.50534, S: -54.76911, E: 158.9263, W, 158.8009). Leaves were collected between 2 January 2017 to 28 February 2017 and fixed in 70% ethanol on site. Leaves were measured at Monash University 1 June 2018 to 29 June 2018. The endemic, keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Macquarie cushion) has undergone rapid widespread decline across Macquarie Island in 2008/2009, resulting in its listing as critically endangered in 2010. Initial research suggests that Azorella dieback is likely driven by a decadal reduction in plant available water, as a result of a significantly changed regional climate, which may have facilitated a secondary putative pathogenic infection of weakened plants (Bergstrom et al. 2015, Whinam et al. 2014). Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae, Macquarie cushion) leaf samples were taken from 62 sites across Macquarie Island between January and March 2017. Sites (706.86m2, i.e. 15m radius) were randomly stratified using a terrain class model (TCM) to ensure that all potential microclimates that A. macquariensis might be exposed to were surveyed. Methods for the TCM are described in Dickson et al. in prep. Six samples were taken at each site, one from within each of the six 2mx2m plots, which were located on Azorella with representative condition (dieback) variation. Samples (3-5 5cm rosette lengths) were taken from the healthiest cushion in the plot and fixed immediately in 70% ethanol. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment permit number TFL1676. Samples were returned to Monash University and stored at room temperature. Leaf samples were measured at Monash University in June 2018. One rosette branchlete was used from each sample (barcode) and the new (green) growth of the 2016/2017 season measured, indicated by the colour variation on the sample. For each sample (representing one individual, six per site) the following was measured, new stem growth (green), number of new leaves (green). Four leaves were measured per sample, some only had 3 new leaves, so only 3 would be measured. L1 was closest at the growing tip and L4 furthest from the tip. L1:L4 were flattened between slides and scanned (tif files), for measurements and then the number of spines per leaf were counted under a dissecting microcscope. Green leaf area (mm2), maximum green leaf width (mm), green leaf length (mm) and sheath width (mm) were measured using standard methods in FIJI (Image J 1.52f) from the scanned images. Data available: Excel files containing the location and barcode of samples (372) and individual leaf measurements (1488) for each A. macquariensis sample. Headings include: Site: Easting and Northing – location of site, UTM, Zone 57S, GDA94, +/-5m Date_collected Barcode Stem_length - This season's new (green) stem growth (mm) - one measurement per barcode Leaves_new - Number of new leaves in this season - one measurement per barcode Sample – Spiny/glabrous Leaf_sample - Leaf sample number (L1, L2, L3, L4) - taken from the new growth stem. Only new season's leaves measured. Spines – Number of spines per leaf Leaflets – number of leaflets per leaf Area_mm^2 – green area, measured in Image J Length_mm – maximum green leaf length, measured in Image J Sheath_width_mm – leaf sheath width, measured in Image J Leaf_width_mm – maximum green leaf width, measured in Image J Spine_density_sp/mm^2 – number of spines divided by green leaf area
The endemic, keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Macquarie cushion) has undergone rapid widespread decline across Macquarie Island in 2008/2009, resulting in its listing as critically endangered in 2010. Initial research suggests that Azorella dieback is likely driven by a decadal reduction in plant available water, as a result of a significantly changed regional climate, which may have facilitated a secondary putative pathogenic infection of weakened plants (Bergstrom et al. 2015, Whinam et al. 2014). This data was collected as part of the PhD thesis of Catherine Dickson. Coarse-scale (site level) condition and topographic data found a latitudinal relationship between Azorella condition (decreasing to the north) and cover (increasing to the south), however, there was no relationship between topographic variables that may have influenced evapotranspiration rates (Dickson et al. 2019). To further clarify this relationship, finescale A. macquariensis condition classes (types of dieback) were recorded and microclimate (temperature and relative humidity) data used to examine the relationship between cushion condition/dieback and microclimate. Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae, Macquarie cushion) condition (dieback) records were taken from 62 sites across Macquarie Island between January and March 2017. Photographs were taken from six randomly stratified plots (2m2) at each of the 62 sites (Site = 706.86m2, 15m radius). Sites were randomly stratified across Macquarie Island using a terrain class model (TCM) to ensure that all potential microclimates that A. macquariensis might be exposed to were surveyed (Dickson et al. 2019). The cluster code is provided in the data set (clust). Azorella macquariensis condition classes were defined, including three healthy, wind-scour, five dieback and recovery classes. Dieback progression classes were defined (active, thinning and advanced) from the five dieback classes. Polygons of each condition class, vascular flora, bryophytes and bare ground were delineated on Images of each plot (six per site) by the same person and measured in ImageJ 1.52i (Rueden et al. 2017) to determine the area within each plot. No attempt was made to count the number of A. macquariensis individuals, as cushions and mats can be made up of multiple individuals. A detailed description is provided in Dickson (2020) and Dickson et al. (in prep). Terrain variables were derived at the site level (15m radius) using SAGA GIS (Conrad et al. 2015) in RSAGA (Brenning et al. 2018) from the Macquarie Island digital elevation model (Brolsma 2008). Variables included aspect, distance to coast, distance to freshwater, total incoming radiation, slope, topographically derived wetness index, southwest and northwest windshelter. Detailed methodology is available in Dickson (2020) and Dickson et al. (in prep). Terrain values are a point value, taken at the centre of the site. A network of in situ microclimate data loggers (one per site) were used to take microclimate observations (4 hourly, temperature and relative humidity). Microclimate variables calculated including temperature and humidity extremes, vapour pressure deficit and number of freezing days. Detailed methodology is available in Dickson (2020) and Dickson et al. (in prep). The proportion of gravel size classes were recorded for visible surface bare ground (Sur) across the site and in one representative soil pit (Soil) which was dug to 250mm deep, within the primary root zone of A. macquariensis. Data and methods from Dickson et al. 2019. The RCODE, MI parent rock type is provided for each site. Relevant references: Dickson, C.R., Baker, D.J., Bergstrom, D.M., Bricher, P.K., Brookes, R.H., Raymond, B., Selkirk, P.M., Shaw, J., Terauds, A., Whinam, J., McGeoch, M.A., 2019. Spatial variation in the ongoing and widespread decline of keystone plant species. Austral Ecology 44, 891-905. Dickson, CR, 2020, Impact of climate change on a sub-Antarctic keystone cushion plant, Azorella macquariensis (Apiaceae). Unpublished PhD Thesis, Monash Univeristy, Clayton, Victoria. Baker, D.J., Dickson, C.R., Bergstrom, D.M., Whinam, J., McGeoch, M.A., unpublished. Are microrefugia likely to exist as conservation features for cold-adapted species across the sub-Antarctic islands? Dickson, C.R., Baker, D.J., Bergstrom, D.M., Brookes, R.H., Whinam, J. and McGeoch, M.A. (2020), Widespread dieback in a foundation species on a sub-Antarctic World Heritage Island: Fine‐scale patterns and likely drivers. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12958
This data set contains the raw temperature and humidity data recorded 4 hourly at 62 sites across the extent of Macquarie Island between 15/12/2016 and 03/01/2018. This dataset was created as part of AASP4312: Nowhere to hide? Conservation options for a sub-Antarctic keystone species. The endemic, keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Macquarie cushion) has undergone rapid widespread decline in condition (dieback) across Macquarie Island in 2008/2009, resulting in its listing as critically endangered in 2010. Initial research suggests that Azorella dieback is likely driven by a decadal reduction in plant available water, as a result of a significantly changed regional climate, which may have facilitated a secondary putative pathogenic infection of weakened plants (Bergstrom et al. 2015, Whinam et al. 2014). Sixty-two microclimate and Azorella condition sites were randomly stratified across Macquarie Island, using the terrain class model (AAS_4312_MI_Terrain_Class_Model) and spatial blocks to ensure the full breadth of microclimates were sampled on the plateau. The datalogger deployment elevation ranged from 125m above sea level (asl) to 373m asl. Methods are available in Dickson et al. in prep and Baker et al. in prep. To ensure a full set of microclimate data (temp and humidity) each site had a minimum of two DS1923 Hygrochon Temperature and Humidity iButtons (Maxim) and most had an additional DS1925 Thermochron iButton (Maxim) deployed (total 180). One Hygrochron was located at the central site point (A) and the second hygrochron 5-12 m away (B) collocated with a Thermochron on a separate patch of ground. iButtons were housed in light grey PVC containers in a free hanging fob. Three slits were cut in each side of the housing to increase airflow, while sheltering from direct solar radiation and precipitation. The housings were fixed to a wooden stake 4cm above the ground to assess the microclimate of the study’s focal species, Azorella macquariensis. Where possible iButtons were located away from vegetation. iButtons were set to record at high resolution, every 4 hours (starting at 03:00am), to get the most amount of data between seasons and to coincide with the 15:00 Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) readings. One Hygrochron was located at the BoM site, adjacent to the weather station and thermometers. iButtons were programed to start while on-site and had run out before retrieval, however occasionally dataloggers ran either side of deployment. The dates that the datalogger have been recorded within 4312_MI_temp_hum_62sites.xlxs for all iButtons and data trimmed to the dates of site deployment. Basic iButtons site variables within a 1x1m quadrat (inc. slope, aspect, vegetation cover) were recorded and are available in 4312_MI_iButton_location_site_dets.xls. Related biotic and abiotic (inc, DEM derived topographic values) site variables for the associated biological monitoring site (706.86m^2 ) can be found in the data for AAS_4312_Azorella_condition_site_topo ( doi:10.26179/5bf382d899d95). A generalised site ‘map’ is included in 4312_MI_iButton_location_site_dets_interp_library.xlsx Dataloggers were deployed on site between 15/12/2016 and 03/01/2018, where the median deployment was 338 days (min 293d and max 350d). Data provided includes the following headings: 4312_MI_temp_hum_62sites.scv - SITE_CODE, DateTime (AEST; UTC+10:00), Temperature (deg), Humidity (%), Year, Month, Day, Hour, Site, iButton, type, deployment_start, deployment_end. 4312_MI_iButton_location_site_dets.xls: site name, location (UTM, GDA94), iButton number, date of establishment, distance and bearing to other iButtons on site, 1x1m quadrat data around iButtons (slope, aspect, vegetation cover, description), comments. 4312_MI_iButton_QA_notes.xlxs: site, ibutton, sitecode, deployment start and finish dates, serial numbers, type, data quality comments. Interpretation libraries are provided for each file. This dataset was created as part of Catherine Dickson's PhD thesis 'Impact of climate change on a sub-Antarctic keystone species Azorella macquariensis (Apiaceae)'.
MICROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING PROTOCOL Macquarie Island 01 October 2001 - 28 February 2002 A.HABITATS SAMPLED 8 habitats representative of the following vegetation types were chosen: 1.Azorella macquariensis - Open cushion areas 2.Acaena (magellanica and minor) herbfield 3.Colobanthus muscoides (coastal cushion plants) 4.Mires - Upland 5.Pleurophyllum hookerii dominated areas 6.Poa foliosa Tall tussock 7.Short grassland (incl. Agrostis magellanica/ Festuca contracta/ Luzula) 8.Stilbocarpa polaris dominated coastal herbfield B.HABITAT LOCALITIES 1.Range within which quadrats for a chosen habitat were located : a) Altitudinal limits- Lowland (coast to +/- 300 - 350m) b) Area- Spread over whole island c) Distance- i) 500m min. distance from the perimeter of the Base/logistic zone Viz. none in the logistic zone. - ii) 100m min. distance from an established hut - iii) 50m min. distance from an established path d) Aspect- East and west coasts 2.Types a) Homogeneous areas b) Least impacted areas (viz. Avoided heavily grazed Rabbit areas) (viz. Avoided Alien dominated areas) (viz. Avoided previously sampled or long term study sites) C.GENERAL SAMPLING STRATEGY FOR EACH HABITAT 1.For each habitat Five 2m x 2m quadrats were located (similar in vegetation structure) and marked 1-5. 2.From each quadrat two random samples were taken with the O'Connor split corer (as per sampling protocol D below). Viz: 10 cores from each habitat. 3.Each sample was retained separately (in it's core-tube placed in a plastic bag) and marked accordingly. Viz: A and B from 1 through to 5 (e.g.: Poa1A-B, Poa2A-B, etc to Poa5A-B). 4.On return from the field samples were immediately stored the in a cool, safe (rodent free) place (lab refrigerator) for processing. 5.Invertebrate extraction followed as per protocol E below. Sample numbers were retained throughout the sampling period, together with sampling date. 6.Each habitat was sampled on an average of once every five - six weeks. D.SAMPLING METHOD 1.Random numbers were obtained using a table of random numbers. 2.Numbers 1-100 are in top left quarter, progressing clockwise in the remaining three quarters for 101-200, 201-300 and 301-400. 3.If the position chosen for the first core had already been cored, the next random number and so on was used. 4.The core sample comprised a 70mm depth from ground level (viz. not including above ground vegetation growth and flowering parts). 5.Care was taken to disturb as little as possible of the vegetation in and around quadrat, as well as approach to site. 6.Sampling in or directly after heavy rain was avoided to prevent poor results (although it never rained hard or long enough for this situation to have occurred). 7.Samples were processed within 4 days (max) after return or safe / cool storage. 8.Before re-using any equipment (corer, cores, plastic bags, collecting jars and mesh cover etc), it was cleaned thoroughly to avoid contamination. E.EXTRACTION AND SORTING MESO-INVERTEBRATES : (These include all collembola and mites and enchytraeid earthworms). 1.In the collecting bottle of each sample placed in the HG extractor, an amount (+/- 2 cms high) of propylene * glycol was poured (*propylene glycol; CH3 CH(OH) CH2 OH = 76.10). 2.Core-samples were separated into litter-like top and about 5- 7 cm of soil. 3.Samples were retained in their respective core-rings, and where above ground vegetation biomass was more than could fit the depth of a ring, this was placed into additional rings. The veg (top)-side was covered with mesh or mutton cloth (approx. 1.5-2mm diam.) and secured with elastic bands (shock cord 3mm diam.). 4.The mesh covered side was placed facing down over the collection bottle in the HG extractor. The HG was left running for the first 2 days at 25 degrees C, and for the following two days (3rd and 4th days) at 30 degrees C. 5.Samples were transferred to 99% or 100% alcohol by draining off the propylene glycol through a 60 micron mesh, picking all the colembola and mites off it with a very fine paint-brush through the view of a good microscope, and placing these into labeled vials. 6.The filtered propylene glycol was re-used a couple of times. 7.Where time allowed, mites and colembola were separated for certain samples. 8.Sample details were noted in pencil on labels provided on the outside of each vial, and printed labels were inserted into each sample vial (see Macca Colembola and Mite labels 2001-02.doc). F.DATA ACQUISITION AND ARCHIVAL 1.Field data were captured in pencil using one A6 hard-cover note-book. 2.Data was transferred to spreadsheet and document and stored on CD-R discs with a back-up copy. This work was completed as part of the RiSCC project (Regional Sensitivity to Climate Change). The fields in this dataset are: Site name Habitat Location Latitude Longitude