Wetland ecosystem condition: macroinvertebrate diversity and community composition
Indicator Status: For Advice
Department of the Environment and Heritage
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About this document
Why do we need to identify the diversity and abundance of species of macroinvertebrates in a wetland ecosystem?
Much can be inferred about a wetland by examining the list of invertebrate species or families recorded from it (e.g. freshwater systems are usually dominated by insects while saline systems are dominated by crustaceans). Undisturbed systems often contain a rich suite of predatory species, while the number of predatory species present in degraded systems is often low.
In addition to providing information on macroinvertebrate biodiversity, knowledge of the composition of macroinvertebrate communities will also enable comparative assessments to be made. An assessment of either temporal or spatial changes can be made by comparing the most recent data with an existing baseline for the wetland in question or for comparable wetlands. The relationship between community composition and environmental data can be explored so that the changes in environmental variables most closely associated with the changes in the biota can be identified.
How will identifying the range and abundance of macroinvertebrate species assist in maintaining wetland health?
Identifying the diversity and community composition of macroinvertebrates in a wetland will assist in reporting on investments related to wetlands that are made under regional plans that address the matter for target: the integrity of inland aquatic ecosystems (rivers and other wetlands).
The NHT has identified the following as necessary areas of activity:
- protecting and restoring significant freshwater, marine and estuarine ecosystems; and
- protecting and restoring the habitat of threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory birds.
The National NRM Standards and Targets Framework has identified the following as required national resource condition outcomes:
- that the extent, diversity and condition of native ecosystems are maintained or rehabilitated;
- that populations of significant species and ecological communities are maintained or rehabilitated; and
- that ecosystem services and functions are maintained or rehabilitated.
Specific NAP matters for target include: extent, and diversity and condition of inland aquatic ecosystems including rivers and wetlands.
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