Conservation of Australian Aquatic Fauna

Abstract

The species approach to conservation is presented. Threatened species of mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish and aquatic invertebrate in inland waters of Australia are recorded and discussed, using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources categories of conservation status. Listed as endangered are the western swamp tortoise, Pseudemydura umbrina (Chelidae); the Baw Baw frog, Philoria frosti (Myobatrachidae), platypus frog, Rheobatrachus silus, R. vitellinus, elegant microhylid, Cophixalus concinnus, rock-dwelling microhylid, C. saxatilis (Microhylidae), and long-nosed tree frog, Litoria longirostris (Hylidae); the fish Clarence galaxias, Galaxias johnstoni, Swan galaxias, G. fontanus, saddled galaxias, G. tanycephalus (Galaxiidae), trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis, and Clarence River cod, Maccullochella sp. (Percichthyidae); the dragonfly Hemiphlebia mirabilis (Odonata: Hemiphlebiidae); the Otway stonefly Eusthenia nothofagi (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae); the caddisflies Taskiria mccubbini and Taskiropsyche lacustris (Trichoptera: Kokiriidae); and the mollusc Ancylastrum cumingianus (Planorbiidae). Numerous other species are classed as vulnerable, rare or out of danger and emphasis is placed on insufficiently known species from tropical and central Australia. The impact of introduced species on native fish and invertebrates has been considerable. There is little State or Commonwealth legislation to protect aquatic species. - The limitations of the species approach to invertebrate conservation are stressed and the habitat approach is presented. Land-management practices such as removal of natural vegetation for agricultural use, modification of vegetation for forestry, fires and resultant siltation may threaten aquatic habitats and their fauna. Water-management practices such as construction of impoundments, river improvement and drainage works modify aquatic habitats. The creation of national parks, international treaties (e.g. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance) and agreements (e.g. Project Aqua) have provided a legislative and administrative framework for conservation.