Arid landscape and sketch showing erosion channels.

Ecosystem function analysis

Ecosystem function analysis is a fast and rigorous method for monitoring landscapes.

• 21 October 2008 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Landscape function analysis manual
• Other resources for ecosystem function analysis
• EFA training courses 

Ecosystem function analysis (EFA) was originally developed for monitoring rangelands for the purpose of sustainable development and maintenance of biodiversity. More recently, the method was adapted for use in other disturbed landscapes, such as mine sites.

Ecosystem function analysis can give reliable information on the effects of stress and disturbance on any landscape, from deserts to tropical rainforests.

It is made up of three modules:

• landscape function analysis (LFA)
• vegetation composition and dynamics
• habitat complexity.

Landscape function analysis manual

LFA is one of the key components of EFA.

This manual is the key resource for undertaking LFA assessments. It includes Excel templates that calculate and summarise the data as well as worked examples for each assessment type.

The current version (May 2004) of the manual is freely available within Australia on CD from Mr David Tongway.

Updates and modifications are provided online and include:

• Revised field procedures (1 Mb PDF, updated 29 April 2008)
• Vegetation Data Entry spreadsheet V3.1a (2.5 Mb XLS, updated 22 August 2004)
• SSA Data Entry spreadsheet V3.0 (422 Kb XLS, updated September 2005).

Other resources for ecosystem function analysis 

Other resources available for download include:

• Overview presentation of EFA and LFA - a slide presentation explaining EFA and LFA for minesites (8 Mb pdf) and general landscapes (9 Mb pdf)
• Landscape ecology function and management (March 2003) - a textbook explaining the theory key elements of EFA
  • Preface (1.7 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 1 (8.8 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 2 (6.4 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 3 (7.7 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 4 (8.2 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 5 (8.3 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 6 (8.9 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 7 (8.1 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 8 (8.9 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 9 (9.2 Mb pdf)
  • Chapter 10 (6.7 Mb pdf)
  • References (9.8 Mb pdf)
• Indicators of ecosystem rehabilitation success (1.2 Mb pdf, July 2003) - a report prepared for the Australian Centre for Mining Environmental Research
• Landscape function analysis: a systems approach to assessing rangeland condition (77 Kb pdf, July 2005) - a discussion paper.

EFA training courses

CSIRO no longer offers training courses in Ecosystem Function Analysis, however Mr David Tongway still conducts courses privately.

Read more about CSIRO's work in Landscape Ecology.

Disclaimer

The information, tables, templates, data and other products that comprise this web page, manual and other documents should only be used within the limitations stipulated in the manual.

CSIRO does not accept any risks and responsibility for losses, damages, costs and other consequences resulting directly from using any EFA information or material provided.

CSIRO shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on this manual or other EFA information resources.