Holocene ecosystem change in Little Llangothlin Lagoon, Australia: implications for the management of a Ramsar-listed wetland
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Date
2016-01-01
Journal Title
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Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
We present new chironomid and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) data from Little Llangothlin Lagoon, Australia that provides more detail on changes in this wetland since European settlement ca. 1840 AD. We also examine how the updated Holocene paleoecological record provides insights for management of this Ramsar-listed wetland. The current management strategy for Little Llangothlin is to restore the wetland and catchment to its natural state. This strategy is intended to protect the values that allowed it to be listed as a Ramsar wetland; i.e. its role as a drought refuge for waterbirds and to preserve or enhance threatened ecological communities. There are clear conflicts between the Ramsar listing criteria, management objectives and the management strategy in light of information provided by the palaeoecological record. In particular, restoration of terrestrial ecosystems through reforestation may jeopardise the wetlands role as a drought refuge. Some activities, such as artificial raising of the water level in 1989 are intended to restore, but actually introduced a state that did not exist prior to human settlement. We recommend a more integrated management approach that heeds the information provided by the palaeoecological record and focuses more on maintenance or enhancement of ecosystem services and biodiversity. © 2016, Springer
Description
Keywords
Quaternary period, Australia, Wetlands, Droughts, Birds, Watersheds, Ecosystems
Citation
Woodward, C., Shulmeister, J., Zawadzki, A., Child, D., Barry, L., & Hotchkis, M. (2017). Holocene ecosystem change in Little Llangothlin Lagoon, Australia: implications for the management of a Ramsar-listed wetland. Hydrobiologia, 785(1), 337-358. doi:10.1007/s10750-016-2942-0