Identifying freshwater ecosystems with nationally important natural heritage values
Subtitle: development of a biogeographic framework
By: J.R. Leathwick, K. Collier, and L. Chadderton
Contributors: Collier, Kevin J.; Chadderton, W. Lindsay (William Lindsay); New Zealand. Department of Conservation
Series: Science for conservation -- 274
Publisher: Science & Technical Pub., Dept. of Conservation
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Wellington, N.Z
Language: eng
Number of pages: 30
ISBN-13: 9780478142075; 9780478142082
Subjects: Biogeography; Bodies of water; Freshwater ecology
Other titles: Identifying nationally important freshwater ecosystems
Description: This report describes a biogeographic classification for use in identifying water bodies of national importance in New Zealand. The classification aims to identify geographic units likely to have experienced similar physical disturbance regimes, while taking cognisance of potential recolonisation pathways and/or geographic barriers to the dispersal of freshwater biota. The classification is based on: biotic distributions, particularly those of non-diadromous fish (the New Zealand Freshwater Fish Database); genetic similarity between different populations, as determined from molecular analyses; and physical disturbances, particularly the Last Glacial Maximum, volcanic eruptions in the central North Island and seismic activity, especially in mountainous parts of the South Island. Seven biogeographic provinces and 19 units have been defined.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-30).

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