Fortescue, the WA Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum shine a spotlight on biodiversity in the Pilbara
Fortescue, the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum) and the Foundation for the WA Museum have entered into a three-year research partnership to increase the knowledge and understanding of biodiversity in the Fortescue Marsh (Pilbara) and surrounding area, specifically in relation to ground beetles (Carabidae).
WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles OBE, Fortescue’s Director Approvals, Communities & Environment, Warren Fish and the Foundation for the WA Museum’s CEO, Coralie Bishop.
Leveraging cutting-edge genomic techniques and established morphological methods (classification based on physical characteristics), the research provides a unique opportunity to help develop baseline data on the Pilbara’s insect fauna – a task that was previously not possible due to the limited trained carabid beetle experts in Australia.
WA Museum scientists will examine terrestrial invertebrates (particularly Carabidae) which were collected during a biodiversity survey in the Pilbara during 2002-2007, as well as fresh materials to be obtained during two fieldtrips that will be conducted through the partnership.
Fortescue's Director Approvals, Communities and Environment Warren Fish said Fortescue was proud to fund the WA Museum’s work, which is anticipated to significantly contribute to the global scientific knowledge of carabid beetles.
“This research will enhance our understanding of the biodiversity in the Fortescue Marsh and the Pilbara region in general. Forming part of the implementation of our Biodiversity Strategy, it will also support our commitment to work towards a net positive impact on biodiversity.”
Carabids (ground beetles) are a hyperdiverse, widespread family that includes short-range endemics (species with limited ranges) known to be sensitive to environmental conditions. They are often used as biodiversity indicators that track the effects of climate and habitat change.
It is estimated that up to 75 per cent of Australia’s biodiversity is undescribed and there are significant gaps in the scientific knowledge of invertebrates like carabid beetles. At the same time, Australia faces a skills shortage of professional taxonomists trained to discover and describe new species.
The partnership will also fund training a PhD student in beetle taxonomy through the WA Museum and University of WA, supporting the future of the entomology expertise in Australia.
Coralie Bishop, the Foundation for the WA Museum’s CEO added, “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. 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.”