Rapid assessment of biodiversity using 'biological diversity technicians'

Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre

MDFRC item.

Faced with the decline in traditional taxonomy an enhanced role for ‘biological diversity technicians’ has been advocated to meet increasing demands for taxanomic services from biodiversity studies. We have identified several assumptions made in advocating the use of such a labour force in rapid assessment of biodiversity. When tested in selected aquatic ecosystems, effectiveness of sampling and accuracy of sorting to certain taxonomic levels was confirmed, but several problems with species segregation were identified. Faulty estimation of the number and identity of species has serious consequences for biodiversity studies.The concept of ‘indicator groups’ that allow inference of total community diversity is assessed and found to be poorly substantiated. The term should be replaced by ‘selected groups’, pending further study. Changes in the role of traditional taxonomists in diversity studies are suggested, particularly incorporation of taxonomists from the outset of biodiversity studies.