Stream diversity and conservation in Tasmania: Yet another new approach

SUMMARY: Tasmania might be the smallest state in Australia, but there is a surprising variety of stream types crammed into that small area. Despite the fact that over a third of the state is reserved, many stream types are not included in the current reserve system. This paper discusses an approach to improving the representation of geomorphological stream features in the reserve system. This approach will help to expand our view of conservation from the present biological focus to include the physical environment, and the protection of geodiversity, as well as biodiversity. We suggest a method to identify the geodiversity associated with streams by examining variation in stream systems on a regional basis. This will not only help to improve conservation of streams, but also provide a basis for improving stream management. This paper describes: • The need for a strategic approach to the conservation of streams. • Geodiversity – what it is, why you should care about it and how you can keep track of it. • How to get enough information to have a strategic approach- a method for identifying the geodiversity of Tasmania’s streams, using GIS to define the regional context for that diversity (ie stream types and regions)