Ecological analysis improves our understanding in monitoring the impact of climate change and other environmental changes on biodiversity in South Australia. It is also a vital part of evaluating survey data to define patterns and ecological communities across the state.

Part of the aims of the department's ecological analysis programs are to:

  • align with NatureLinks and No Species Loss targets to meet long term ecological planning and biodiversity conservation and restoration objectives
  • monitor climate change
  • work towards models to predict future species distribution
  • identify biological indicators
  • continue to work with other agencies on the impact of grazing and other resource users on biodiversity
  • define ecological communities for mapping.

Marine habitat mapping uses high-resolution photography and satellite imagery or, where the water is too deep for satellite imagery, the seafloor is studied with underwater video and acoustic sounding. The results of these analyses are collated into habitat maps that, together with existing scientific and social information, help determine marine park boundaries and the zones within them.

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