Queensland wetland classification method

Purpose

The purpose of the Queensland wetland habitat classification scheme (scheme) is to provide general attribute information for wetland habitats in Queensland based on hydro-geo-ecological drivers which has the potential for use in many different management applications. The scheme further refines the lacustrine and palustrine wetlands systems into wetland types. Lacustrine and palustrine wetlands the primary focus of the Queensland Wetlands Program which gave rise to the scheme.

The scheme provides a transparent, scientifically robust and logical approach to developing foundational ecological information upon which management, decision making and research can be built.

The scheme is flexible to ensure that the order in which the attributes are applied can be altered depending on data availability and the type of management question being asked allowing for the production of different typologies for different purposes.

The scheme integrates with other datasets in Queensland and allows for updating as new information becomes available.

Scale

The scale of the scheme needs to be at the level of the underlying data to which it is applied. The wetland mapping is provided at a 100,000 to 25,000 resolution and this is the sale of resolution required for the classification scheme. Some of the attributes are at a coarser scale (e.g. climate) but they have been applied to the individual habitat units.

Development and application of attributes

The attributes and thresholds are derived from a number of sources and the methods used to apply them are outlined in the mapping attribute table. These attributes and thresholds were chosen through extensive consultation processes with stakeholders as they represent some of the key drivers, based on wetland components and processes, for wetland habitat function. In some cases the attributes are expanded in the wetland mapping data while others require access to the contributing datasets to derive the attributes. For example, the dominant vegetation structure and soils are derived from regional ecosystem data and sometimes the attributes have been combined to represent a wetland type. In future mapping releases the full range of attributes will be included in the data.

Development of the method

While the scheme has been used for many different purposes (e.g. wetland management profiles and conceptual models for broad wetland types in Queensland) the following table provides an example of how the full list of attributes do not all need to be utilised at all times and how attributes can be combined and split for different typology outcomes. For the purpose of developing general management guidelines and conceptual models for broad wetland types in Queensland, a number of workshops were held with key stakeholders and the table below reflects the decisions to combine and split attributes to result in ecologically meaningful wetland types.  

When an attribute is not used to separate different wetland types it is not lost from the system but remains in the final types. For example, if the water type attribute is not used for splitting wetlands the final wetland type would include the range of water types in its description.  

As wetlands are diverse spatially and temporally, this scheme allows for identifying a range of habitat types that may form a wetland complex  (e.g. a lacustrine water body may have a palustrine fringe). Therefore it can be useful to look at two or more wetland conceptual models to get an idea of the complete picture of an individual wetland or wetland complex.

Advantages of the Queensland wetland habitat classification scheme are:

• The classification scheme is based on key attributes of the components and processes underpinning Queensland’s wetlands
• It can be adapted to management needs and data availability.
• The classification scheme was one of the key drivers for the ANAE and can be translated to other systems as it includes a descriptive list of attributes. This allows for consistency in reporting across jurisdictions and for data collected using other classification schemes to still be utilised.
• The attributes for the components and processes that form the basis of this system have been effectively applied at a statewide scale using wetland mapping and inventory in a Geographic Information System.
• The classification scheme is effective for reporting at regional, state and national levels.
• If additional attributes are considered important at a state or regional level, more refined wetland typologies can be developed. However, for the purpose of reporting nationally they can be combined and rigorously compared. The naming convention for the classification and resulting typologies is intuitive and descriptive, and relates directly to the key components driving the system.
• The classification is exhaustive—all wetlands are covered.

• The classification can underpin all subsequent management guidelines, indicators, science syntheses, 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.

Last updated: 14 November 2019