Background/Aims
South Western Australia is a Mediterranean region that has experienced a reduction in rainfall over the past five decades, with approximately 10-15% less rainfall since the 1970s. In this drying climate, water pools that do not dry out during dry periods, are essential aquatic refuges for the continued survival of freshwater invertebrate species in this area. Fire-fighting waterpoints, have been constructed to provide water for fire-fighting efforts in south Western Australia, often in close proximity to natural water sources such as wetlands and rivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of fire-fighting waterpoints as refuges for freshwater invertebrates in a drying climate.
Methods
We conducted a habitat survey and freshwater invertebrate sweep samples of 80 fire-fighting waterpoints and 24 natural refuge pools in autumn and spring in the Warren Bioregion of south Western Australia.
Results
The key findings of this study include that species composition, richness and abundance of freshwater invertebrates differing between site types and season, and the presence of fish in fire-fighting waterpoints being seen to alter the freshwater invertebrate species composition and reduce the number of individuals in these sites.
Conclusion
As the climate in this area is expected to continue to dry, the understanding of the characteristics that drive the difference in freshwater invertebrate species composition and richness between natural refuges and fire-fighting waterpoints, be essential for biodiversity conservation. The results from this study may inform future planning and construction of fire-fighting waterpoints to ensure that they can function as refuges for freshwater invertebrates, while still retaining their intended purpose in supporting fire management in south Western Australia.