Biodiversity and conservation of river macroinvertebrates on an expanding urban fringe: western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• DOI: 10.1071/pc990036
• Publication Date: 2016-05-26T00:22:25Z
• Authors: Bruce C. Chessman; Simon A. Williams
• Keywords: River ecosystem

As in many growing urban areas, the prevention of environmental damage as Sydney spreads westward into Hawkesbury-Nepean River basin is a major challenge for planners, managers and local community, We surveyed macroinvertebrates at 45 river stream sites April-June 1996, reviewed data from other sources, order to assess issues involved conservation lotic macro invertebrate fauna, Regional richness high with 443 recorded species morphospecies, Cluster analysis showed community pattems related mainly waterway size (separating tributary streams), geology (tributaries on shale or sandstone), tidal intrusion urbanization (impoverished faunas streams). The ability genus mites insect orders reflect overall site was limited, Diptera Trichoptera appear have greatest value biodiversity predictors. Urban expansion threat communities region, but agriculture, flow regulation, sand gravel ex1raction introduced probably also impacted Streams include those few Cumberland Plain surrounding slopes that retain substantial indigenous vegetation relatively undeveloped catchments. sfill harbours rich faunal important conservation, development effective strategies assessment management problematic several reasons, Some region are known be vulnerable, status most cannot assessed because lack taxonomic zoogeographic information, Most "biodiversity indicator" concepts dubious aquatic macroinvertebrate conservation. A multi-faceted approach emphasizing subcatchment reserves, riparian restoration control threatening processes required.