A Generic Method for Identifying Regional Koala Habitat using GIS

The conservation status of the koala in Australia is not a homogeneous entity but is subject to regional variation according to the predicament of each population with respect to disease and habitat availability. Habitat is the primary factor affecting koala population dynamics in both critical decline and expansion. Key koala management and planning decisions necessitate a regional identification of potentially suitable koala habitat. The environmental factors constituting preferred koala habitat were identified and existing GIS databases used to combine Eucalyptus species preferred and utilised by koalas with soil properties to predict optimal, sub-optimal and unsuitable koala habitat in the southern Mt. Lofty Ranges. The methodological framework is flexible and particularly suited to regional koala management in Australia.     

Development control and the natural environment—the Maltese connection

The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Maltese Structure Plan policies, which have been in force since 1992, with respect to protection of the natural environment. Empirical and statistical analyses of development control data were used to achieve the objectives. The Temporary Provisions Schemes (1988) defined the limits of development in Malta thus establishing the rest of the area, commonly known as Outside Development Zone (ODZ). Significant pressures from development were caused when permissions were given in breach of planning policies. The agricultural and dwellings groups of developments were the ones which benefited most from such policy breaches. It was also shown that the Structure Plan policies had a positive effect on the decision-making process ODZs only when the decision boards applied these policies correctly.