Diversity and Resilience of Aquatic Fauna in Queensland Spring Ecosystems

Spring wetlands are suggested as a priority for conservation, because of their ability to facilitate survival of biota under adverse environmental conditions (i.e. in dry landscapes) and the existence of endemic biota. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are a conspicuous biota of spring ecosystems, however little information on spring macroinvertebrate biodiversity in Queensland has been recorded. The few spring macroinvertebrate surveys have shown that biodiversity is spatially variable.

A consequence of being a consistent source of water in a dry landscape is that other users (e.g. feral animals, weeds, livestock and humans) are attracted to the resources, and these users create localised threats to the biodiversity of spring ecosystems. This project aims to investigate the biodiversity and biogeography of spring macroinvertebrates of Queensland, and the drivers of the patterns that are evident. Further investigation is also aimed to assess the resilience of spring ecosystems to natural and anthropogenic disturbances and change.

Advisors: Assoc Prof Patrick Moss, Dr Josh Larsen