Open Access

Claire Arnold, Maurizio Rossetto

• This preliminary study investigated the interaction between ecological, environmental and genetic factors among two native vines, Cissus hypoglauca and Cissus sterculiifolia (family Vitaceae). Data from a number of fragmented populations within the Big Scrub and surrounding rainforest areas in northern NSW were used to investigate how closely related vines respond to habitat fragmentation. What has emerged is an account of two species occupying fairly distinct ecological niches, and consequently being differently affected by current environmental disturbances. Cissus hypoglauca appears to have greater ecological amplitude, including resilience to drier environmental conditions, while in the long term Cissus sterculiifolia is likely to be more extensively affected by rainforest degradation and fragmentation. Genetic analysis suggests that prior to extensive clearing the Big Scrub provided a continuum for gene flow across otherwise fairly disjunct rainforest areas. This pilot study illustrates how simple research can often support the development of long-term conservation and management strategies at the species and plant community level.