Defining the ecological values of rivers: the views of Australian river scientists and managers

1. The first step in making a case for river conservation is to define the particular values and attributes that describe conservation significance. 2. Australia's rivers vary widely in their characteristics and ecological communities. The conservation values of Australian rivers have not been well articulated. 3. A survey of Australian river scientists and managers was undertaken to identify the criteria and attributes of rivers of high ecological value. This was the first attempt to establish a baseline for defining natural conservation values for Australian rivers. 4. The final list comprised five broad criteria with a total of 47 attributes considered to be indicators of high ecological value. These included not only biotic values, but also values attributed to river hydrology, geomorphology, instream processes, and landscape functions. 5. The list of criteria and attributes provides a context from which specific values may be drawn to assess conservation values of rivers for particular purposes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.