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Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Water scorpions, brightly coloured spotted scats and freshwater sawfish are just some of the unique species featured in the most comprehensive book yet about northern Australia's inland aquatic habitats.

More than 30 researchers from the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge research hub contributed to the book, Aquatic Biodiversity in Northern Australia:  patterns, threats and future. It is edited by TRaCK researcher Dr Bradley Pusey with several contributors from The University of Western Australia.

"Northern Australia contains the world's largest intact savanna ecosystem and the world's greatest concentration of free-flowing rivers.  It's not surprising that this outstanding landscape of global significance holds such a rich and diverse biota," Dr Pusey said.

"These environments also include enormous floodplains, forested wetlands and 56 major river systems which discharge more than 60 per cent of Australia's surface water run-off.  The aquatic habitats of northern Australia hold a disproportionately large amount of Australia's unique biodiversity.

"Today these habitats are highly valued, with the predominant regional industries including pastoral grazing, mining, Indigenous enterprises, fishing and tourism all relying on the region's water resources and aquatic biodiversity in different ways."

Dr Pusey said despite the significance of the aquatic biodiversity of northern Australian, it faces threats including pollution from abandoned mines and the spread of invasive species such as mimosa, rubber vine and feral pigs.

"If there is one lesson we have learnt from drawing together this research, it is that current threats to freshwater ecosystems should be addressed before it is too late, not least because this is the most cost-effective approach," Dr Pusey said.

Aquatic Biodiversity in Northern Australia will be launched by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) Alistar Robertson in the foyer of UWA's Peter Bayliss building at 12.30pm on Friday.  The book is available for sale online .

Dr Bradley Pusey is available for interview on 0427 081 344.  High resolution photos are available for download .

Media references

Amy Kimber (TRaCK media contact)  (+61 4) 28 853 425
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783

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