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Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms- the different plants, animals and micro organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. It is usually considered at three levels: genetic diversity; species diversity; and ecosystem diversity. (The National Stategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity, Commonwealth of Australia, 1996)
South-west Australia is one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots (see link to Conservation International on right), and consequently the Perth metropolitan region is one of the most biodiverse cities in the world. The Swan Coastal Plain on which Perth rests has a large number of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and occur nowhere else in the world.
The City Environment Plan 2005-2008 (see link on right) identifies Biodiversity as one of five key areas of priority for environmental management in the City of Perth.
In 2008, the City of Perth in partnership with the Claise Brook Catchment Group (CBCG) undertook the Local Biodiversity Study for the City of Perth (See CBCG link on right).
The Study involved:
- specialist training of CBCG members, City of Perth Staff and members of the public to undertake field surveys of all natural areas within the City of Perth
- collection of historic and recent anecdotes about fauna sightings in the City from the community
- researching examples of the use of native flora and fauna in historical and recent art, documents and architecture
As a result of the Study, areas highlighted as a priority for further investigation will be examined by a qualified professional.