Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915

Browse

Filters

2021 - 20252

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Mason KHas files: Yes

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Not All Birds of the Same Feather: A Systematic Review of Ecosystem Services and Disservices in Horticulture
    (John Wiley and Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Ecological Society of Australia, 2025-09-01) Ferrari GCP; Mason K; Robertson A; Castro I
    Wild birds can provide essential benefits and cause significant harm in food production systems, commonly framed as ecosystem services and disservices, respectively. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on avian ecosystem services and disservices in horticultural systems, analysing 251 studies published between 1912 and 2023. Species richness and abundance were the most commonly used metrics. A total of 128 studies investigated ecosystem services, 109 addressed disservices, and only 22 considered both. Pest control (137 occurrences) and crop damage (120) were the dominant subjects within ecosystem services and disservices, respectively. However, crop damage was frequently reported without assessment, suggesting a confirmation bias towards birds as pests. The methods used to assess services and disservices were diverse, including species identification, damage and yield surveys, landscape analysis, experiments, published data, social surveys, laboratory techniques, and economic or ecological modelling. Despite this methodological diversity, most studies used only one or two approaches. Studies incorporating human-wildlife conflict were rare, despite their relevance for both conservation and horticultural management. This review reveals a bias towards studying avian contributions that are more easily measurable, such as pest control and crop damage, while more complex or less visible effects, such as pollination, disease control, or herbivore release, remain underexplored. As a result, birds' roles in horticultural systems are often understood in fragmented terms, potentially leading to ineffective or unjustified management decisions. A more holistic, species-focused, and integrative approach is needed to fully understand the trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices. Such understanding is critical not only for enhancing the sustainability and productivity of food systems, but also for conserving wild birds in increasingly intensified agricultural landscapes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Social Vulnerability Indicators for Flooding in Aotearoa New Zealand
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-04-09) Mason K; Lindberg K; Haenfling C; Schori A; Marsters H; Read D; Borman B
    Social vulnerability indicators are a valuable tool for understanding which population groups are more vulnerable to experiencing negative impacts from disasters, and where these groups live, to inform disaster risk management activities. While many approaches have been used to measure social vulnerability to natural hazards, there is no single method or universally agreed approach. This paper proposes a novel approach to developing social vulnerability indicators, using the example of flooding in Aotearoa New Zealand. A conceptual framework was developed to guide selection of the social vulnerability indicators, based on previous frameworks (including the MOVE framework), consideration of climate change, and a holistic view of health and wellbeing. Using this framework, ten dimensions relating to social vulnerability were identified: exposure; children; older adults; health and disability status; money to cope with crises/losses; social connectedness; knowledge, skills and awareness of natural hazards; safe, secure and healthy housing; food and water to cope with shortage; and decision making and participation. For each dimension, key indicators were identified and implemented, mostly using national Census population data. After development, the indicators were assessed by end users using a case study of Porirua City, New Zealand, then implemented for the whole of New Zealand. These indicators will provide useful data about social vulnerability to floods in New Zealand, and these methods could potentially be adapted for other jurisdictions and other natural hazards, including those relating to climate change.