Queensland Wetland Habitat Typology (lacustrine and palustrine)

Under the Queensland Wetlands Program, and as part of the National Project on National Wetland Indicators Final Report (Conrick et al. 2007), attributes have been identified addressing characteristics of lacustrine and palustrine wetlands at increasingly specific scales (continental, ecosystem, landscape, and local). These can be used for classifying wetlands through the Wetland Description Tool (see below). Each category has specific layers to identify different features of wetlands that can be used in the classification system.

The Queensland Wetlands Program has developed a typology that uses attributes collated in the mapping and the framework of the Wetland Description Tool to provide further resolution for lacustrine and palustrine wetlands. Through expert consultation and an iterative process of ‘reality checking’ with the mapping, a series of Wetland Habitat Types (see below) has been developed that are broad enough to cover the state of Queensland but also allow for identification and grouping of key ecological and physical processes within wetlands of each broad climatic zone.

As wetlands are diverse spatially and temporally, this typology also allows for combining Wetland Habitat Types which may be found within an individual wetland (e.g. a lacustrine waterbody may have a palustrine fringe). Therefore it may be useful to look at two or more conceptual models to get an idea of the complete picture of an individual wetland or complex.

The detailed wetland classification system developed by Blackman (1992, 1995) and based on Cowardin et al. (1979) is recommended for use when a more localised classification is required.

Advantages of the Queensland Wetland Habitat Typology

• Through using the Wetland Description Tool, the Wetland Habitat Typology has been workshopped nationally and debated extensively.
• The Typology is not designed to replace existing classification systems, and can be easily translated to other systems as it includes a descriptive list of attributes. This allows for consistency in reporting across jurisdictions.
• The attributes and components that form the basis of this system can be applied efficiently at a state-wide scale using wetlands mapping and inventory in a Geographic Information System.
• The Typology is based on key attributes, drivers and components of Australian wetlands and it is therefore easier to depict wetland function and choose indicators for wetland monitoring.
• The Typology is effective for reporting at regional, state and national levels.
• If additional attributes are considered important at state or regional level, more refined wetland typologies can be developed. However, for the purposes of reporting nationally they can be combined up and robustly compared.
• States can agree on lead jurisdictions for the development of conceptual models associated with the typology. That is, a national set of conceptual models can be developed and shared between jurisdictions that are complementary to regional and local wetland conceptual models.
• The naming convention for the typology is intuitive and descriptive, and relates directly to the key components driving the system.
• The Typology is exhaustive—all wetlands are covered.
• The Typology can underpin all subsequent management guidelines, indicators, science synthesis, conceptual models, literature reviews and more. These can be developed up based on the typology and can therefore be used appropriately according to relevant wetland habitat type.

Table 1: Wetland Description Tool: wetland description layers to assist in classifying wetlands in Queensland.

Last updated: 11 November 2009