Jann Williams | ANU - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jann Williams

The Nature of Kyoto, 2023

Preparations and rituals associated with welcoming the New Year in Japan are a delight to experie... more Preparations and rituals associated with welcoming the New Year in Japan are a delight to experience. It is one of my favourite times of year. There are many `firsts` involved as the year transitions from old to new-the first dream, first sunrise, first look in the mirror and so on. Traditionally there were also `firsts` associated with fire and water, such as hatsukamado (first kindling of the stove), and wakamizu (first water, drawn from a well). These were used as seasonal words in haiku and have largely become anachronisms with the advent of gas, electricity and piped water. The modern haiku by Omo Emiko that starts this essay brings these elements back to life in new form, capturing the vital energy of these two natural and essential elements. It sets the scene for an exploration of the many expressions of Fire and Water experienced in Kyoto, Japan.

Future developments in native vegetation condition research in Tasmania and Victoria., 2008

Native vegetation condition has been identified as a high priority by the natural resource manage... more Native vegetation condition has been identified as a high priority by the natural resource management, government and research partners of Landscape Logic, a national research hub funded through
the CERF program (Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities). In Victoria, native vegetation condition is the major focus of landscape research in Landscape Logic and is of significant interest for
the Hub’s research program in Tasmania. To help ensure that the present investment in native vegetation research builds on, complements and benefits from existing and recent research relating to native
vegetation in south east Australia, Landscape Logic held a workshop on native vegetation condition on 18–19 October 2007 in Burnie, Tasmania at the Cradle Coast Campus of the University of Tasmania.

The aims of the Landscape Logic workshop were to:
􀂄 Discuss recent research relevant to the assessment, monitoring and modelling condition of native vegetation condition in south-east Australia
􀂄 Identify the major research issues and gaps in knowledge for future research on native vegetation condition in Tasmania
􀂄 Identify and discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration and integration of approaches across the region
􀂄 Identify the most appropriate future role for Landscape Logic to contribute towards an improved ability to assess and monitor native vegetation condition.

This report collates and evaluates major existing native vegetation condition protocols across a ... more This report collates and evaluates major existing native vegetation condition protocols across a range of collection scales in order to provide informed advice to future Caring for our Country projects relevant to the monitoring of native vegetation condition. To meet the needs of this program, the report focuses on the ability of current systems to monitor the effectiveness of management interventions, with a requirement to demonstrate effectiveness in time periods as short as two years. The purposes for developing methodologies currently in use are examined and the techniques used for undertaking site assessments are compared and contrasted. Implications for the application of the Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information (ESCAVI) interim approach for a native vegetation indicator are discussed in the context of Caring for our Country reporting on native vegetation condition.

If current trends continue, human activities will drastically alter most of the planet's rem... more If current trends continue, human activities will drastically alter most of the planet's remaining natural ecosystems and their composite biota within a few decades. Compounding the impacts on biodiversity from deleterious management practices is climate variability and change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently concluded that there is ample evidence to suggest climate change is likely to result

Functional Plant Biology, 1996

Australian Journal of Botany, 1994

Fire is a natural part of most Australian landscapes and has an important influence on the biolog... more Fire is a natural part of most Australian landscapes and has an important influence on the biological productivity and biotic composition of many ecosystems. Although fire is commonly used as a management tool, the precise nature of the way it may influence productivity and biotic composition is often poorly understood and, as a consequence, its use is controversial. This paper considers the use of fire for the management of ecosystems. Specifically, the influences of fire on environmental heterogeneity and the effects these have on shaping biological productivity and biotic patterns are discussed. Heterogeneity that affects biotic response includes variation in biophysical attributes of landscapes such as topography, fire regimes and the spatial attributes of fire. Examples are used to address the interplay between fires, environmental heterogeneity and biological patterns: (1) the effects of frees on plant resource availability; (2) crown scorch in eucalypt forests; and (3) the ef...

Austral Ecology, 1990

it is hypothesized that herbivory plays an important role in limiting the distribution of Eucalyp... more it is hypothesized that herbivory plays an important role in limiting the distribution of Eucalyptus pauciflora in sub-alpine forests. In the Brindabella Range, ACT, E. pauciflora is generally replaced downslope by E. dives and increased herbivory towards its lower distribution may be a factor in this replacement. Further, the co-occurrence of E. dalrympleana with E. dives and E. pauciflora may be maintained by a density-dependent stabilizing mechanism based on the impact of leaf parasites. Mean levels of leaf damage by insects on the lignotuberous seedlings of these three sub-alpine eucalypts were not consistent with these hypotheses. Seedlings of E. dalrympleana showed significantly lower levels of damage (7.4–9.4%) compared with those of E. pauciflora (13.9–20.2%) and E. dives (19.2–20.7%) but no significant intra-specific differences in the mean levels of leaf damage with altitude occurred for any of these eucalypts. These results suggest that insect herbivory as a factor regulating the population dynamics of sub-alpine eucalypts may have been overemphasized.

Animal Production Science, 2010

All food production systems are under pressure to comply with societal expectations that the prod... more All food production systems are under pressure to comply with societal expectations that the produce is not only of good nutritional value but is also sustainably produced. This review compares the performance of the red meat industry in Australia against white meat, plant-protein and other protein production systems across a range of biodiversity pressures through a review of over 500 peer-reviewed and other scientific sources. The review finds that taking into account the past legacy of red meat production systems, these industries make the largest relative potential contribution to the impact on terrestrial biodiversity in Australia, by both the area covered and the nature of the impacts. The review also finds that many initiatives of the beef and sheep industries have the potential to improve the management of biodiversity. To minimise the impact of beef and sheep meat systems on biodiversity, the conservation of natural resources needs to become a core and integral part of prod...

Austral Ecology, 2013

ABSTRACT Long-term ecological studies (LTES) are critical for understanding and managing landscap... more ABSTRACT Long-term ecological studies (LTES) are critical for understanding and managing landscapes. To identify important research gaps, facilitate collaborations and communicate results, several countries have estab-lished long-term ecological research networks. A few initiatives to create such a network in Australia have been undertaken, but relatively few published data exist on the current state of LTES in Australia. In this paper, we present the results of an online survey of terrestrial LTES projects sent to academic, government and non-governmental organization-based researchers across Australia. We asked questions pertaining to the focus, scope, support and outcomes of LTES spanning 7 years or longer. Based on the information reported from 85 Australian LTES, we: (i) identify the biomes, processes and species that are under-represented in the current body of research; (ii) discuss important contributing factors to the successful development and survival of these projects; and (iii) make recommendations to help increase the productivity and influence of LTES across research, management and policy sectors.

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms – species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, t... more Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms – species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the populations, communities and ecosystems they crea te – and the interact ions between and among them and the physical environment that generate ecosystem (or ecological) processes (SEAC 1996, Saunders 2000, SER 2004). Examples of ecosystem processes include carbon fixation by plants (pho tosyn thesis), nutrien t cycling by micro-organisms, nitrogen fixation by bacteria, decomposition of organic matter, wa ter filtra tion, pollination of flowering plants by fauna and seed dispersal. Ecosystem processes that are of d irect bene fit to humans (e.g., carbon sequestra tion, water production, pest control) are called ecosystem services (Daily 1997, CSIRO 2001).

Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 1996

Distributions of common species of Eucalyptus in south-eastem Australia are related to gradients ... more Distributions of common species of Eucalyptus in south-eastem Australia are related to gradients in temperature and rainfall. To determine whether intrinsic water-use efficiency (as indexed by carbon isotope discrimination, A) or other leaf attributes were related to climate of native habitats, we sampled 17 populations representing 14 species of Eucalyptus growing in a common garden in southcentral New South Wales. Phreatophytes were clearly distinguished from populations that are totally dependent upon soil moisture derived from rainfall by having higher A at a particular level of rainfall. Among 12 non-phreatophytic populations (11 species), A was positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (r = 0.75, P = 0.005), December-March precipitation (r = 0.79, P = 0.002), an index of annual soil moisture (r = 0.81, P = 0.001) and seasonality of precipitation (r = 0.85, P < 0.001). There were similarly strong but negative correlations between A and potential evaporation during the summer months, but A was not correlated with annual potential evaporation of the source sites. Leaf mass per unit area (pe) was negatively correlated with indices of water availability, positively correlated with nitrogen per unit leaf area (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with A (r =-0.73, P = 0.007). A was negatively correlated with area-based leaf nitrogen (r =-0.79, P = 0.002). These complementary correlations among A, p,, and nitrogen per unit leaf area indicate that variation in A may stem largely from variation in photosynthetic capacity. The results provide strong evidence that variation in A and p, reflect genetic adaptations to native habitats.

Ecological Management & Restoration, 2015

High altitude plants are well adapted to their present environment (Komer 1992), but their abilit... more High altitude plants are well adapted to their present environment (Komer 1992), but their ability to adapt to the changes in climate expected over the next century remains uncertain (Guisan, Holten, Tessier et aL 1995). Chapter 3 presented a few glimpses of plants and ecosystems' reactions to chang ing climates in the past. Chapter 5 reviewed the present knowledge about

Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2005

The Nature of Kyoto, 2023

Future developments in native vegetation condition research in Tasmania and Victoria., 2008

Functional Plant Biology, 1996

Australian Journal of Botany, 1994

Austral Ecology, 1990

Animal Production Science, 2010

Austral Ecology, 2013

Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 1996

Ecological Management & Restoration, 2015

Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2005

Anthology for the Exhibition Spirit of Shizen Japan's Nature through its 72 seasons, 2022

Each winter and summer members of Wani-Ontakesan travel to Mt Ontake (Ontakesan) in central Japan... more Each winter and summer members of Wani-Ontakesan travel to Mt Ontake (Ontakesan) in central Japan to worship their ancestors, nature and the Gods. It was a privilege to join this Shugendo community, led by the Okamoto family, on their seasonal pilgrimages in 2018 and 2019. Immersion in these intense ascetic experiences is designed to test and push your physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries. The rituals, practices and faith of this group helps keep the meaning and traditions of this sacred Japanese mountain alive.

Anthology for the Exhibition Spirit of Shizen Japan's nature through its 72 seasons, 2022

Structures of Kyoto Writers in Kyoto Anthology 4, 2021

Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space-these are the five elements of the universe represented by th... more Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space-these are the five elements of the universe represented by the gorinto, embodying the interconnectedness of all creation. Cube, Sphere, Triangle, Semicircle , and Jewel-these are the five geometric shapes, stacked on top of each other, that form the structure of the gorinto. Stone, Metal, Wood, and Rock Crystals-these are the traditional materials used to create the gorinto. The same pure, powerful form always emerges, regardless of the scale and dimensions. Siddham (J. bonji) is the language that most often graces the gorinto-an ancient form of Sanskrit kept alive by Japanese Buddhist monks. Reliquaries, Memorials, and Grave Markers-these are the most visible expressions of the gorinto. Their use as relics and guides for meditation and healing was secret for centuries. Awe, Wonder, Beauty, Reverence, Love, and a Sense of Calmness-these are emotions experienced in the presence of the gorinto.

Encounters with Kyoto: Writers in Kyoto Anthology 3, 2019

Shinsen'en is the oldest existing garden in Kyoto, dating back to the founding of the ancient cap... more Shinsen'en is the oldest existing garden in Kyoto, dating back to the founding of the ancient capital in 794 AD (the start of the Heian period). This Anthology essay describes the 1200 year old history of the divine pond-garden from a personal perspective. It focuses on the life force of Shinsen'en and the focus it has provided for people, plants and animals over its long history. Located close to Nijo Castle, the site has been associated with Shingon Buddhism since its inception. It now offers a contemporary urban setting with an enticing mix of beauty, energy, mystery, festivals, peace and prayer.

Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2005