This project aimed to identify priority habitat areas for
biodiversity conservation.
There are a number of different species-prioritisation methods
emerging around the world. The 'Back on Track' species
prioritisation framework is based on
Optimizing allocation of management resources for
wildlife. This method provides an opportunity for both
scientists, the community and decision-makers to provide input, and
can be applied across a range of taxonomic groups.
NQ Dry Tropics liaised with the Environmental Protection
Agency to develop the framework to ensure the incorporation of
community values (including indigenous values) into the metric used
to assess species. A list of potentially high-priority
species for the region has been produced from the species
assessment activities undertaken by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
There are four stages to the 'Back on Track' species
prioritisation process:
Species Assessments
This is where species native to Queensland are assessed by
experts against multiple criteria.
Criteria Weighting
Criteria are weighted by senior decision-makers, to generate a
score out of a maximum possible 400.
Generating the Species Priority List
The scores generated in the first stage are then used to
identify species as critical, very high, high, medium, or low
priority (and to identify gaps for further research).
State and Regional Workshops
Land and water management regional bodies undertake
planning workshops using the results of 'Back on Track' as a
starting point. Common threats to priority species are identified
and management actions developed that will return the greatest
conservation benefit from the resources invested.
