Urban Hollow map
Where do tree hollows persist in our urban landscape?
The loss of hollow-bearing trees is listed as a key threatening process to Australian biodiversity. Large-scale land clearing across the continent has diminished the number of large, old, hollow-bearing trees.
In urban environments, this loss of hollows is exacerbated by the clearing of old, damaged trees for safety purposes. Initiatives that aim to increase canopy cover in urban areas (such as the Greener Neighbourhoods project, aiming for 40% canopy cover in greater Sydney by 2036) are a step in the right direction.
However, not all trees are created equal. The formation of hollows is driven by the tree species and the age of the tree. Using information on trees species and age in Sydney, Australia, we aim to estimate tree hollow density across thisheavily-modified environment.
Ultimately, the map will help us decide where in this urban landscape our native animals need the most help.
Research led by D. Willemsen, L. Schwanz, N. Jordan, A. Fisher