Roles of roadside vegetation in insect conservation in Australia

• Published in: Austral entomology 2021-02, Vol.60 (1), p.128-137
• Main Authors: New, Timothy R, Sands, Don P A, Taylor, Gary S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Biodiversity; butterfly; connectivity; Conservation; corridor; Corridors; diversity; Environmental protection; Environmental restoration; Flora; Herbivores; Human influences; Insects; linear habitat; Plants; pollinator; refuge; remnant vegetation; Roadsides; Rural roads; threatened plant community; Threatened species; Vegetation; Wildlife conservation
• ISSN: 2052-174X; 2052-1758
• DOI: 10.1111/aen.12511

The extent and variety of roadside environments in Australia in largely anthropogenic landscapes render them substantial remnant habitats for insect biodiversity. The importance of these areas for insect biodiversity conservation and the key threats they face are discussed, as well as the needs for their protection and conservation management. Many rural roadsides harbour significant patches of native vegetation, including rare and threatened flora now scarce elsewhere. Other values of roadside vegetation include habitat remnants, seasonal refuges, corridors and shelters for insect movements and population connectivity. Examples are given of the importance of roadsides for individual threatened insect species. Roadside environments are under substantial threat from clearing, development and unintentional degradation through a variety of activities. The diverse responsibilities of roadside management, increasingly to harmonise human safety and amenity needs with biodiversity conservation, can readily incorporate considerations of insect diversity and occurrence of notable individual species. The conservation of remnant vegetation and ecological restoration of roadside corridors are highlighted as paramount for maintaining biodiversity and connectivity under increased human activity and environmental extremes.