1. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Landscape Logic Project 1 (Spatial Analysis and Database project) Led by Professor Tony Norton (TIAR/UTAS). Development of GIS-based database, mapping and modelling framework. Spatial analysis of a range of issues of significance to natural resource management (NRM), Including the spatial extent and condition of native vegetation. Funding from: Commonwealth Environmental Research Facilities (CERF), Landscape Logic National Research Hub; Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (UTAS/TIAR)

2. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Small patches are big part of restoring landscape connectivity Dr Karyl Michaels, Dr Michael Lacey, Prof. Tony Norton, Prof. Jann Williams TIAR / University of Tasmania

3. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database We quantify landscape fragmentation in Tasmania. We quantify landscape fragmentation in Tasmania. We evaluate the role of small patches (<10ha) in decreasing landscape fragmentation. We discuss opportunities for re-connecting landscapes.

4. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database We quantified fragmentation of native vegetation (NV) at state and catchment scale  FRAGSTATS 25m grid analysis of native vegetation (based on TASVEG_05)  Veg patches >50m apart are considered to be separate patches  Patches may contain multiple veg types  Output gives good indication of veg fragmentation Tasmania has 33,760 patches of remaining native vegetation (NV). small patches (<10ha) (10ha - <50ha) medium patches (10ha - <50ha) large patches ( >50ha) 31,010 1% 2016 734 98%

5. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Small patches (<10ha) are predominantly on freehold land with grazing a major land use. ≥50ha10 <50ha<10ha Patch Size Category Large patches (>50ha) crown land, conservation

6. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Is protecting and enlarging small patches a useful focus for management intervention? Small patches are important: Ecosystem services Carbon sinks Stepping stones Refugia Dispersal source Small patches are vulnerable: Attrition Degradation Increasing modification Principles for mitigating the decline of biodiversity in modified landscapes include maintaining and/or restoring: A matrix structurally similar to native vegetation Buffers around sensitive areas Stepping stones (Lindenmayer & Fischer 2006)

7. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database We assessed the outcomes of buffering small patches in the Leven catchment. Land Use Patch size analysis

8. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database No. patches Total: 751 <10ha:704 10-49ha:35 ≥50ha:12 No. patches Total: 332 <10ha252 10-49ha56 ≥50ha24 No. patches Total: 574 <10ha498 10-49ha62 ≥50ha14 No. patches Total: 459 <10ha381 10-49ha62 ≥50ha16

9. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Buffering small patches increased connectivity. Substantial decrease in total number of patches Substantial increase in number of medium (10-<50ha) patches Substantial increase in number of large (≥50ha) patches Substantial decrease in total number of small (<10ha) patches

10. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database A focus on threatened vegetation communities

11. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database Opportunities for re-connecting landscapes  The science-based approach we have taken to assess the status of remaining native vegetation in Tasmania provides the baseline needed to identify opportunities and priorities for re-connecting landscapes.  Our results suggest that buffering small patches particularly in agricultural landscapes could be an important focus for revegetation activities aimed at connecting, enhancing and extending native vegetation for biodiversity outcomes.  This information is of significance to NRM regions and organisations involved in revegetation activities such as GA (Tas) (eg. mixed planting) and others (eg. Green Corps: re-veg, PFT: agroforestry) involved this space and to landowners.

12. LANDSCAPE LOGIC Project 1: Spatial Analysis and Database A potential marriage Mixed plantings Small patches