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The Aquatic Plant Communities of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia: a region of arid zone wetland diversity.

Michael Lyons , David Mickle, Michelle Casanova

Abstract

Context Conservation decision making is dependent on robust biodiversity data. Well-designed systematic and rigorous surveys of biodiversity provide internally consistent and taxonomically broad datasets for conservation planning. This is especially important in areas such as the Pilbara with extensive mining and pastoralism as major land uses. The collection of biodiversity data for aquatic plants represents a major contribution to assist in conservation planning and management of the region’s wetlands and rivers. Aims We aimed to document the diversity and major patterns in the aquatic flora of Pilbara wetlands and rivers, to provide data to inform conservation planning and manage impacts of major land uses such as mining and pastoralism. Methods We undertook a systematic quadrat-based survey of the aquatic flora of 98 Pilbara wetlands and rivers. The full range of wetland types were sampled. The composition of charophytes and vascular aquatic plant communities were analysed against wetland permanence and water body type. Key results We documented a diverse aquatic flora with several novel taxa being discovered. Charophytes were a major component of the aquatic flora. Floristic composition was strongly related to wetland type and water permanence with permanent sites showing higher richness. Less permanent sites captured a distinct component of the Pilbara aquatic flora. Conclusions The aquatic flora of the Pilbara represents a significant component of the region’s biodiversity. Patterning was concordant with previous studies of the riparian plant communities and aquatic invertebrates of the region providing synergies in reserve system design and management efforts. Implications High quality spatial biodiversity data particularly for poorly surveyed regions or biotic groups can provide major insights critical for effective conservation planning and management.

PC24078  Accepted 15 December 2024

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