Biodiversity

Availability of information

Understanding of the state and trend of biodiversity in Australia is limited. Few long-term national-scale monitoring programs are available; there are some disparate datasets on a smattering of species and ecosystems at regional to local levels.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Great Barrier Reef
Biodiversity

Genetic and species diversity

Despite recognition that the pressures described in Pressures affecting biodiversity have a key role in shaping biodiversity at the species and community levels, the role of these pressures in shaping patterns and distribution of genetic di
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Greater Darwin
Biodiversity

Terrestrial ecosystems and communities

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA; Figure BIO8) classifies Australia’s landscapes into 89 
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Great Barrier ReefAustralian Capital Territory
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Threatened species lists

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
North East CoastAustralian Capital TerritoryCocos ChristmasGulf of Carpentaria
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Plant species and fungi

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
South East CoastSouth Australian GulfNorth East CoastGreater SydneyGulf of Carpentaria
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Mammals

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
South Australian GulfMurray DarlingNorth East CoastTimor SeaGreat Barrier ReefCocos ChristmasMarine NorthLake EyreGulf of CarpentariaIndian Ocean
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Birds

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Lake Eyre
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Reptiles and amphibians

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Cocos Christmas
Biodiversity

Terrestrial plant and animal species: Invertebrates

As at December 2015, a total of 480 fauna species (terrestrial and aquatic) were listed under the EPBC Act, including 55 that are listed as extinct or extinct in the wild.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
TasmaniaMarine Temperate EastLake Eyre
Biodiversity

Freshwater species and ecosystems

The Inland water report assesses the state and trends of freshwater-related ecological processes and key species populations, with grades ranging from very poor with worsening trends across the Murray–Darling Basin, through poor to g
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
South West CoastNorth Western PlateauMurray DarlingNorth East CoastTasmaniaTimor SeaGreat Barrier ReefAustralian Capital TerritoryGreater PerthLake EyreGreater SydneyGulf of CarpentariaIndian Ocean
Biodiversity

Coastal and marine species and ecosystems

The condition of Australian estuaries and bays, and coastal freshwater lakes and lagoons is covered in detail in the Coasts report.
2016
Relates to
Biodiversity
State and trends
Murray DarlingNorth East CoastTasmaniaGreater DarwinGreater HobartGreat Barrier ReefEast CoastGreater MelbourneGreater PerthMarine NorthMarine North WestGulf of Carpentaria
Cresswell ID, Murphy H (2016). Biodiversity: Topics. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/biodiversity/topics?framework=111, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65ac828812