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The Pilbara region is a global hotspot for subterranean fauna diversity (troglofauna & stygofauna), with particularly unique assemblages occurring in iron-rich geologies.

This congruence of high mineral and biodiversity value has created challenges for both mining developments and conservation. Balancing conservation and development has been further complicated by major gaps in our knowledge of subterranean fauna, including taxonomic uncertainty and low detectability of species in surveys.

To overcome these challenges, we developed new techniques for modelling and mapping diversity patterns for subterranean fauna at fine resolution (30 m) across the Pilbara. We used these models as a basis for assessing the region-wide cumulative impacts of all past, present and proposed future mining developments on subterranean fauna.

The results of this research demonstrates the value of macroecological modelling in deriving environmental accounts for biodiversity, and how these can be directly linked to scenario assessment as a basis for more informed development decisions.

Dr Karel Mokany is a senior research scientist with CSIRO Land & Water. His research is focussed on developing and applying macroecological modelling approaches to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and dynamics, helping to ensure well informed biodiversity planning and management decisions.