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Hydrology or Floristics? Mapping and Classification of Wetlands in Victoria, Australia, and Implications for Conservation Planning

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Abstract

A national approach to the conservation of biodiversity in Australia’s freshwater ecosystems is a high priority. This requires a consistent and comprehensive system for the classification, inventory, and assessment of wetland ecosystems. This paper, using the State of Victoria as a case study, compares two classification systems that are commonly utilized to delineate and map wetlands—one based on hydrology (Victorian Wetland Database [VWD]) and one based on indigenous vegetation types and other natural features (Ecological Vegetation Classes [EVC]). We evaluated the extent of EVC mapping of wetlands relative to the VWD classification system using a number of datasets within a geographical information system. There were significant differences in the coverage of extant EVCs across bioregions, different-sized wetlands, and VWD wetland types. Resultant depletion levels were markedly different when examined using the two systems, with depletion levels, and therefore perceived conservation status, of EVCs being significantly higher. Although there is little doubt that many wetland ecosystems in Victoria are in fact threatened, the extent of this threat cannot accurately be determined by relying on the EVC mapping as it currently stands. The study highlighted the significant impact wetland classification methods have in determining the conservation status of freshwater ecosystems.

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Notes

  1. For an example of pre-1750 EVC mapping in western Victoria see: http://www.affa.gov.au/corporate_docs/publications/pdf/forestry/rfa/vic/west/vic_west_cra2_map1.pdf .

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Acknowledgments

We thank Tom Dahl, Kimberley James, Dianne Simmons, and an anonymous referee for constructive comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript, and John White for statistical advice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia

    Hugh A. Robertson & James A. Fitzsimons

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  1. Hugh A. Robertson
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  2. James A. Fitzsimons
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Correspondence to Hugh A. Robertson.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Mapsheets within each of the four bioregions used to assess the classification and mapping of wetlands in Victoria

Mapsheet name

Mapsheet number

Mapsheet name

Mapsheet number

Gippsland Plain

 

Victorian Volcanic Plain

Delvine

832223

Gazette Hill

732232

Maffra

822222

Westmere

742212

Longford

832143

Cloven Hills

752141

Seaspray

832131

Winchelsea

762121

Victorian Riverina

 

Wimmera

Stanhope

782522

Ozenkanook

712424

Pranjp

792413

Charam

722433

Tatura

792532

Kemi Kemi

712314

Boorhaman

812513

Benayeo

712433

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Robertson, H., Fitzsimons, J. Hydrology or Floristics? Mapping and Classification of Wetlands in Victoria, Australia, and Implications for Conservation Planning. Environmental Management 34, 499–507 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-003-0185-0

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