Pilbara Region Biological Survey (2002-2013)

The Pilbara Region Biological Survey was undertaken to gain greater knowledge about the biodiversity of the Pilbara region in Western Australia.

In this survey, our researchers have:

• counted, sampled, and documented the plant and animal communities in the Pilbara region
• investigated the inter-relationships, composition and patterns of these communities within the Pilbara region
• documented the way communities are distributed in relation to soil, vegetation, climate, landforms and geology.

The knowledge gained will provide the regional context necessary to underpin future nature conservation planning and sustainable land-use for the Pilbara.

Why did we need a regional survey?

Little was known about the rich array of plants and animals in the Pilbara. Many of the native species were new to science, and not found anywhere else in the world. The ecosystems, and their ecological processes, were also not well understood. The survey provided information on patterns in the distribution of flora and fauna to help the community make decisions about conservation requirements and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The results of the survey will assist in:

• developing a framework to guide sustainable land-use and conservation planning in the Pilbara
• assessing the region’s system of national parks and other conservation reserves
• improving the environmental impact assessment process for future developments
• verifying where threatened species and ecological communities live
• providing detailed information on stygofauna (small underground water creatures)
• documenting new information about the plant and animal communities of the Pilbara.

Pilbara Conservation Strategy

This strategy provides a framework and direction for landscape-scale conservation initiatives to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the Pilbara while realising its economic potential.

Read more about the Pilbara Conservation Strategy