5.8: Biodiversity and HCVAE. Bioregionalisation conservation priorities and predictive models of aquatic biodiversity

Jane Hughes — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:59:44 +0000

Project Number:

5.08

Proj Number:

508

Leader:

Jane Hughes

Abstract

Biodiversity is a feature of aquatic ecosystems that is often valued by different members of the community. To effectively manage aquatic biodiversity, we need to know where the areas of high biodiversity are. It is also useful to know what causes some areas to have high biodiversity and others not. This project aims to answer these questions and so define biologically unique regions (bioregions) within northern Australia, based on patterns of aquatic biodiversity.

Outcomes

The findings from this research will help decision-makers better predict the impacts of water resource development on freshwater animals. For example if river flows are made unfavourable to a species in a particular catchment what does this mean in terms of the survival of the species as a whole? This can then lead to the development of strategies and policies for environmentally sustainable economic and social development of northern Australia.

Diversity of river life

TRaCK Project 508 Updates

5.8: Biodiversity and HCVAE. Bioregionalisation conservation priorities and predictive models of aquatic biodiversity

Outcomes