Increased knowledge and understanding of Pilbara biodiversity will be at the forefront of a new three-year research partnership between Fortescue, the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum) and the Foundation for the WA Museum.
According to Fortescue, it is estimated that up to 75 per cent of Australia’s biodiversity is unelaborated and there are large gaps in the scientific knowledge of invertebrates like carabid beetles. Australia is also facing a skills shortage of taxonomists trained to discover and describe new species.
This new partnership will focus on leveraging cutting-edge genomic techniques and established morphological methods to develop baseline data on insect fauna found in the Pilbara and surrounding areas, including carabids.
The carabid family includes short-range endemics known to be sensitive to environmental conditions. They are often used as biodiversity indicators that track the effects of climate and habitat change.
WA Museum scientists will examine carabids and other invertebrates that were collected during a biodiversity survey between 2002 and 2007. Fresh materials will also be obtained during two upcoming field trips.
“This research will enhance our understanding of the biodiversity in the Fortescue Marsh and the Pilbara region in general,” Fortescue director approvals, communities and environment Warren Fish said.
“Forming part of the implementation of our biodiversity strategy, it will also support our commitment to work towards a net positive impact on biodiversity.”
The partnership will also fund a PhD student’s training in beetle taxonomy through the WA Museum and University of WA.
“The Foundation for the WA Museum works with partners and donors to increase support for strategic projects and initiatives for the WA Museum now and into the future,” Foundation for the WA Museum chief executive officer Coralie Bishop said.
“We are extremely proud to have helped facilitate this partnership, which builds on an alignment of purpose and a shared quest to explore and understand Western Australia’s incredible biodiversity.”
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