State and trends of biodiversity

Biodiversity
State and trends
Coastal and marine species and ecosystemsFreshwater species and ecosystemsTerrestrial plant and animal species: Threatened species listsTerrestrial ecosystems and communitiesGenetic and species diversityAssessing the state and trends of biodiversity
State and trends of biodiversity
Component
Summary
Grade
Very poor Poor Good Very good
Confidence
In Grade In Trend
Comparability
To previous years

Terrestrial animals — birds

Overall, bird species populations across much of Australia are in decline. Some areas experience inconsistent trends with some species increasing and some decreasing in the tropical savanna, Brigalow Belt and Tasmania region. Rainforest-dependent species appear to be increasing

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Comparable

Terrestrial animals — birds

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

 

 

Birdlife Australia 2015

BirdLife Australia (2015). The state of Australia's birds 2015: headline trends for terrestrial birds, Birdlife Australia, Sydney.

Garnett et al. 2011

Garnett ST, Szabo JK & Dutson G (2011). The action plan for Australian birds 2010, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Melbourne.

Comments

The 2016 assessment relies on an information base similar to the one used in 2011, and the grade and trend can be considered comparable with 2011.

Topics

Relatively resilient historically but threatened species make up a large proportion of known species in some areas. Large fluctuations in numbers over the past decade due to climate variation. Several states raise concerns about recent declines, especially in forests and woodlands, and the potential for legacy effects from past pressures that have not yet been seen

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) extent - Northern and central Australia

Although native vegetation is largely intact across northern and central Australia, clearing rates have increased in Queensland, including in Cape York Peninsula

Year(s): 
2016
3
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Low
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Comparable

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) extent - Northern and central Australia

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

  • References cited in text.
  • Information and assessments in the Land chapter.
  • Figure 11: Loss of extent of vegetation communities across Australia from Tulloch et al., 2015
  • Figure 12: Change in Australia's forest area, 1990 to 2012, calculated by ABARES from data in the National Inventory Report 2012.
  • Jurisdictional State of Environment reports, including specific indicators for invasive species state and trends: (Australian Capital Territory 2015; South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015; New South Wales 2015; Victoria 2013)
  • Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

Comments

The 2011 assessment was primarily based on analysis of trends in the National Vegetation Information System major vegetation groups. We have not conducted the same analysis; however, the data used in the cited reference (Tulloch et al. 2015) is broadly similar. Therefore, the assessments are comparable.

Topics

Native vegetation largely intact throughout much of this area (with a degree of modification in rangelands and high levels of clearing 1997–2005 in some parts of north-east Queensland and the Northern Territory)

Year(s): 
2011
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) extent - Southern, eastern and south-western Australia

Rates of land clearing are relatively stable, but land-use changes, including increasing urban development, put significant pressure on the extent of native vegetation

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Comparable

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) extent - Southern, eastern and south-western Australia

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Reference to information and assessments in the Land chapter.

 

Figure 11: Loss of extent of vegetation communities across Australia from ​

 

Tulloch et al. 2015

Tulloch AIT, Barnes MD, Ringma J, Fuller RA & Watson JEM (2015). Understanding the importance of small patches of habitat for conservation. Journal of Applied Ecology 53(2):418–429.

Comments

The 2011 assessment was primarily based on analysis of trends in the National Vegetation Information System major vegetation groups. We have not conducted the same analysis; however, the data used in the cited reference (​Tulloch et al., 2015​) is broadly similar. Therefore, the assessments are comparable.

Topics

Historical losses most apparent in these areas (especially eucalypt woodlands, eucalypt open forest, and mallee woodlands and shrublands). Rates of loss are declining but loss still exceeds gains in many areas

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) quality - Remote areas and areas where agricultural and urban development have been minimal

Native vegetation across much of this area is in relatively good condition. However, increases in some pressures, such as altered fire regimes and invasive species, result in declining habitat quality

Year(s): 
2016
3
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) quality - Remote areas and areas where agricultural and urban development have been minimal

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Reference to information and assessments in the Land chapter.

Figure 11: Loss of extent of vegetation communities across Australia from ​Tulloch et al. 2015.

 

Tulloch et al. 2015

Tulloch AIT, Barnes MD, Ringma J, Fuller RA & Watson JEM (2015). Understanding the importance of small patches of habitat for conservation. Journal of Applied Ecology 53(2):418–429.

Comments

The 2011 assessment was primarily based on analysis of trends in the National Vegetation Information System major vegetation groups. We have not conducted the same analysis; however, the data used in the cited reference (​Tulloch et al. 2015​) is broadly similar. Therefore, the assessments are comparable.

Topics

Even in areas where vegetation is largely intact there are suggestions of some declining quality

Year(s): 
2011
3
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) quality - Agricultural regions and around urban development

All jurisdictions note that habitat disturbance and modification is a key threat to biodiversity

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial ecosystem (native vegetation) quality - Agricultural regions and around urban development

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Reference to information and assessments in the Land chapter.

 

Figure 11: A fragmentation measure of vegetation communities from ​

 

Tulloch et al., 2015

Tulloch AIT, Barnes MD, Ringma J, Fuller RA & Watson JEM (2015). Understanding the importance of small patches of habitat for conservation. Journal of Applied Ecology 53(2):418–429.

Comments

The 2011 assessment was primarily based on analysis of trends in the National Vegetation Information System major vegetation groups. We have not conducted the same analysis; however, the data used in the cited reference (​Tulloch et al., 2015​) is broadly similar. Therefore, the assessments are comparable.

Topics

Very limited wide-scale data in all states and nationally, but strong evidence of decline from case studies in agricultural regions and around urban development

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial plant species - High-altitude, remote and/or very dry parts of Australia

Plant species appear to be in a relatively good state. However, information on plants in these areas is very limited. High-altitude areas contain relatively high numbers of threatened taxa and threatened ecological communities

Year(s): 
2016
3
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial plant species - High-altitude, remote and/or very dry parts of Australia

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Information provided by ERIN on the distribution of listed ecological communities (Figure 9), the number of EPBC-listed plant species and their status (Figure 15), and the distribution of listed plant species in each IBRA bioregion (Figure 17).

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trends:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for this assessment is similar to that used in 2011.

Topics

Plants species appear to be largely secure (although all have been affected to some degree by human-induced pressures and most are potentially susceptible to effects of climate change), but there are examples of threatened or declining communities and species

Year(s): 
2011
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial plant species - Areas most suitable for urban development and/or agriculture

High numbers of threatened plant species are in areas with high population densities and in the intensive agriculture zone. Most jurisdictions report that the state of threatened plant species is poor and worsening, although there are a large number of threatened species whose state and trends are largely unknown

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial plant species - Areas most suitable for urban development and/or agriculture

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Information provided by ERIN on the distribution of listed ecological communities (Figure 9), the number of EPBC-listed plant species and their status (Figure 15), and the distribution of listed plant species in each IBRA bioregion (Figure 17).

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for this assessment is similar to that used in 2011.

Topics

There have been substantial historical effects of human activities on plant species. Some pressures are ongoing and the legacies of land clearing will cause declines for some decades. Woodland and grassland species are most at risk

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Species other than plants and animals (e.g. fungi, algae, some microorganisms) - Areas where vegetation remains largely intact

Very little information is available. It is likely that fungi are in relatively good condition in systems where vegetation remains largely intact

Year(s): 
2016
3
Unclear
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not comparable

Species other than plants and animals (e.g. fungi, algae, some microorganisms) - Areas where vegetation remains largely intact

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

The number of fungi included in state threatened species legislation.

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The assessment in 2011 noted that there was very little information available on which to make an assessment. More information is included on fungi in the 2016 report, although confidence in the assessment is still low. The 2011 and 2016 assessments are not comparable.

Topics

It is likely that fungi, soil microorganisms and other species are minimally degraded but there is very little information and the possibility exists that fungal communities might be impacted by declines in animals that play a role in dispersal of fungal spores

Year(s): 
2011
3
Unclear
Confidence (in grade): 
Low
Confidence (in trend): 
Low
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Species other than plants and animals (e.g. fungi, algae, some microorganisms) - Agricultural lands

Information is very limited. Loss of mutualism is likely in areas where vegetation extent and condition is poor. Many fungi associate with other organisms, such as though mycorrhizas and endophytes

Year(s): 
2016
2
Unclear
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not comparable

Species other than plants and animals (e.g. fungi, algae, some microorganisms) - Agricultural lands

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

The number of fungi included in state threatened species legislation.

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The assessment in 2011 noted that there was very little information available on which to make an assessment. More information is included on fungi in the 2016 report, although confidence in the assessment is still low. The 2011 and 2016 assessments are not comparable.

Topics

Information is limited, but research results on fungi raise major concerns in agricultural lands

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial animals - mammals

State and trends of mammals vary across the country. Evidence of ongoing declines is seen for mammals across northern Australia. In southern and eastern Australia, increases in the number of species of conservation concern are seen. All jurisdictions report declines in the status and trends of mammals

Year(s): 
2016
1
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial animals - mammals

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

A key reference is the Action Plan for Australian Mammals​

 

Woinarski et al. 2014

Woinarski JCZ, Burbidge AA & Harrison PL (2014). The Action Plan for Australian Mammals, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.

Comments

The publication of the Action Plan for Australian Mammals has allowed a better understanding of the state and trends in mammals compared with the information available in 2011. However, the assessments remain the same and can be considered ‘somewhat comparable’.

Topics

Declines in a large proportion of species across taxa in all states. Particular concern about mammals in northern Australia. Data collection is still too inadequate in all states and nationally to make a confident statement about which groups are secure and which are not

Year(s): 
2011
1
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial animals - reptiles

Very limited information and jurisdictional reporting exist for the state and trends of reptiles. Overall, improvement in the status of listed taxa has been limited. The first known extinction of an Australian reptile occurred during the past 5 years

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Very limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Very limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Terrestrial animals - reptiles

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Information provided by ERIN on the number and distribution of EPBC-listed reptile species and their status (Figure 22).

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for the 2016 assessment is similar to that used in 2011, although that base is limited.

Topics

Very limited data, but concerns have been raised about ongoing decline, including in grasslands and woodlands

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial animals - amphibians

Except for a few high-profile species, very limited information and jurisdictional reporting exist for the state and trends of amphibians. However, greater survey effort has revealed that the state of some populations is better than previously thought

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Comparable

Terrestrial animals - amphibians

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Information provided by ERIN on the number and distribution of EPBC-listed amphibian species and their status (Figure 22).

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for the 2016 assessment is similar to that used in 2011, although that base is limited.

Topics

Survey information is very limited but research consistently points towards major declines in many areas

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Terrestrial animals - invertebrates

Very limited information exists for the status and trends on invertebrates. However, the key pressures on Australia's invertebrates are increasing

Year(s): 
2016
2
Unclear
Confidence (in grade): 
Very limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Low
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Comparable

Terrestrial animals - invertebrates

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Information provided by ERIN on the number and distribution of EPBC-listed invertebrate species and their status (Figure 22).

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The 2011 assessment was based on very limited information; not much more information is available in 2016.

Topics

Survey data are very limited. Research suggests that some groups are likely to be thriving while others decline

Year(s): 
2011
2
Unclear
Confidence (in grade): 
Low
Confidence (in trend): 
Low
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Aquatic species and ecosystems (see also Inland water chapter) - Northern and central Australia

In Northern Australia, aquatic ecosystems are considered to be in overall good ecological condition, notwithstanding areas of localised poor condition. However, arid and northern aquatic ecosystems are impacted by cattle and feral animals, and invasive aquatic species are present

Year(s): 
2016
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Aquatic species and ecosystems (see also Inland water chapter) - Northern and central Australia

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Relevant information, references and assessment summaries in the Inland Waters and Coasts chapters.

 

Information provided by ERIN on the number and distribution of EPBC-listed fish species and their status (Figure 27).

 

Data on wetland area, and results from the Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey (Figures 24 and 25).

 

Data on the distribution of currently listed freshwater fish, the distribution of species identified as vulnerable, river condition across Australia and the distribution of freshwater fish research effort (Figure 28) are from

 

Le Feuvre et al., 2016

Le Feuvre MC, Dempster T, Shelley JJ & Swearer SE (2016). Macroecological relationships reveal conservation hotspots and extinction?prone species in Australia’s freshwater fishes. Global Ecology and Biogeography 25(2):176–186.

Comments

More information is presented in 2016 on aquatic species and ecosystems than in 2011. The information base used for the 2016 assessment should be considered only somewhat comparable to that used in 2011.

Topics

Much of northern and central Australian freshwater ecosystems appear to be in good condition

Year(s): 
2011
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Aquatic species and ecosystems (see also Inland waters report) - Southern, eastern and south-western Australia

The state of wetlands in generally poor and rivers in high-intensity land-use areas are also in poor condition. Aquatic ecosystems across much of the Murray–Darling Basin region are in poor ecological condition

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Aquatic species and ecosystems (see also Inland waters report) - Southern, eastern and south-western Australia

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Relevant information, references and assessment summaries in the Inland Waters and Coasts chapters.

 

Information provided by ERIN on the number and distribution of EPBC-listed fish species and their status (Figure 27).

 

Data on wetland area, and results from the Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey (Figures 24 and 25).

 

Data on the distribution of currently listed freshwater fish, the distribution of species identified as vulnerable, river condition across Australia and the distribution of freshwater fish research effort (Figure 28) are from

 

Le Feuvre et al., 2016

Le Feuvre MC, Dempster T, Shelley JJ & Swearer SE (2016). Macroecological relationships reveal conservation hotspots and extinction?prone species in Australia’s freshwater fishes. Global Ecology and Biogeography 25(2):176–186.

Comments

More information is presented in 2016 on aquatic species and ecosystems than in 2011. The information base used for the 2016 assessment should be considered only somewhat comparable to that used in 2011.

Topics

Information on wetlands is limited but there is good evidence of losses and poor health of rivers in large areas of south-eastern and south-western Australia. Freshwater ecosystems appear to be in a poor and declining state in areas that have been heavily developed for agriculture

Year(s): 
2011
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Marine species and ecosystems (see also Marine environment chapter) - Overall

Overall condition of the marine environment is good. A number of pressures on marine species and ecosystems are increasing.

Year(s): 
2016
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Marine species and ecosystems (see also Marine environment chapter) - Overall

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Relevant information, references and assessment summaries in the Coasts and Marine Environment chapters.

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for the 2016 assessment should be considered only somewhat comparable to that used in 2011.

Topics

Marine biodiversity overall is in good condition

Year(s): 
2011
3
Stable
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Marine species and ecosystems (see also Marine environment chapter) - In few areas

Some individual species and habitats are in poor condition, including coral reefs, fringing temperate rocky reefs and associated species

Year(s): 
2016
2
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Somewhat adequate
Confidence (in trend): 
Somewhat adequate
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Somewhat comparable

Marine species and ecosystems (see also Marine environment chapter) - In few areas

20162011
Biodiversity
State and trends

Approach/Process

Assessment grades and trends were determined by the authors through a qualitative assessment of data and information from publicly available or published reports and scientific papers referenced in the text, information obtained from jurisdictional State of Environment reporting and/or information supplied directly from the jurisdictions.

Data/Information sources

References cited in text.

Relevant information, references and assessment summaries in the Coasts and Marine Environment chapters.

 

Jurisdictional State of Environment reports including specific indicators for invasive species state and trend:

 

  • Australian Capital Territory 2015
  • South Australia 2013 and the South Australian NRM Report Cards 2015
  • New South Wales 2015
  • Victoria 2013

Data collection and quality vary across jurisdictions.

 

Information provided directly by state and territory government departments. The scope and presentation of material provided vary across jurisdictions.

 

 

Comments

The information base used for the 2016 assessment should be considered only somewhat comparable to 2011.

Topics

Nationally there are a number of coastal places and areas on the continental shelf and upper slope where the condition of some biodiversity is very poor, as a result of the effects of specific human activities

Year(s): 
2011
1
Deteriorating
Confidence (in grade): 
Limited
Confidence (in trend): 
Limited
Comparability (to previous reports): 
Not assessed

Topics

Assessment Summary Key

Grades

Very good

The vast majority of taxa appear to have good prospects for long-term survival and any declines are limited
in spatial extent and severity and are unlikely to threaten future viability of taxa

Good

Most taxa appear to have good prospects for long-term survival, although a small proportion have suffered
declines that might threaten long-term survival

Poor

A significant proportion of taxa have suffered declines across most or all of Australia that potentially threaten
their long-term persistence

Very poor

A large proportion of taxa have suffered declines across most or all of Australia

Recent Trends

  • Improving

  • Stable

  • Deteriorating

  • Unclear

Confidence

  • Adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

  • Somewhat adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence or high level of consensus

  • Limited: Limited evidence or limited consensus

  • Very limited: Limited evidence and limited consensus

  • Low: Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment

Comparability

  • Comparable: Grade and trend are comparable to the previous assessment

  • Somewhat comparable: Grade and trend are somewhat comparable to the previous assessment

  • Not comparable: Grade and trend are not comparable to the previous assessment

  • Not previously assessed

Cresswell ID, Murphy H (2016). Biodiversity: State and trends of biodiversity. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/assessment-summary-81-state-and-trends-biodiversity, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65ac828812