Source data

This collection is comprised of raster layers of present day distributions of terrestrial and freshwater taxa that are of conservation concern in Northern Australia. Distributions were derived either from species distribution models (also referred to as ‘ecological niche models’, ‘habitat suitability models’, ‘habitat models’ or ‘bioclimatic envelope models’) created with the program Maxent or from buffered occurrence records cut to suitable areas (for data deficient taxa) and were vetted by experts and modified accordingly. The collection was created for the purpose of informing conservation decision-making in Northern Australia and was funded by the Australian National Environmental Science Program (NESP) as part of the Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub. Note that this data set is a research output and may not align with the Australian Government distribution models which underpin the Environmental Protection and Biosecurity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Both development referrals and Commonwealth investment for biodiversity outcomes use the Australian Government species distribution models as a default, with further specific ecological reporting required from proponents for decision making.

For further information on NESP modelled species distribution/habitat suitability data please refer to Pintor et al. 2018.

2. Indigenous cultural heritage sites data generated by the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment (NAWRA)

This dataset only shows the generalised location of Indigenous cultural heritage sites that were formally recorded in government-held databases at the time NAWRA was undertaken. These databases are continually updated, and many Indigenous sites remain unrecorded, so the map demonstrates the presence of a layer, not the full detail or extent of Indigenous cultural heritage. Refer to the registered cultural heritage management agencies in each State or Territory for further guidance.

For further information on Indigenous cultural heritage sites please refer to Barber 2018.

3. Registered Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) - agreement boundaries and core attributes about agreements. Data source - National Native Title Tribunal

ILUAs that have been registered and placed on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (s199A, Native Title Act 1993; Commonwealth). Data is supplied by the National Native Title Tribunal and is current at 30th August 2018.

This dataset reflects the boundaries of those ILUAs that have entered the notification process or have been registered and placed on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (s199A, Native Title Act 1993). This is a national dataset. Spatial attribution includes National Native Title Tribunal number, Name, Agreement Type, Proponent, Area and Registration Date.

These ILUA are binding agreements between native title parties and others about the use of land and waters where native title is claimed or determined. For more information about Native Title in the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment (NAWRA) study, refer to the NAWRA published reports and in particular the reports referenced below.

4. Aboriginal land held under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) and Aboriginal land (NT enhanced freehold)

Lands collectively owned by Aboriginal groups able to demonstrate traditional association with that land in order to satisfy the requirements of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

This dataset shows boundaries of land collectively owned by Aboriginal groups able to demonstrate traditional association with that land in order to satisfy the requirements of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The landholding is under a form of collective freehold title unique to the Northern Territory. It is the dominant form of Indigenous customary land ownership in the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment (NAWRA) Darwin catchments and is shown here to complement registered claims and agreements under the Native Title regime.

5. Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database (CAPAD) – 2016

The (CAPAD) 2016 provides both spatial and textual information about government, Indigenous and privately protected areas for Australia, in both the marine and terrestrial environments. This dataset is for terrestrial data only. State, Territory and the large non-government organisation (NGO) conservation agencies supply data current for 30 June 2016.

CAPAD provides a snapshot of protected areas that meet the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) definition of a protected area: "A protected area is an area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means" (IUCN 1994).

6. Monsoon Vine-Forest distribution in the Northern Territory

Mapping was undertaken using BW aerial photograph at 1:80000 scale. Where discernable the monsoon forests where typed into five broad forest classes: Allosyncarpia, Dry coastal 1, Dry coastal 2, Riverine (riparian) and Spring forests. A field survey was undertaken. Detailed information is available here.

For further information on species and environmental data please refer to Russell-Smith 1991.

7. Northern Territory Land Use Mapping for Biosecurity 2016

The Northern Territory Land use mapping for biosecurity describes contemporary land use for 2016, mapped to a national classification scheme developed by the Australian Collaborative Land Use and Management Program (ACLUMP). Land use across the Northern Territory has been classified using the latest version of the Australian Land Use and Management Classification Version 8. The Australian Land Use and Management Program aims to provide nationally consistent spatial information to assist in planning, natural resource condition monitoring and investment, agricultural productivity and sustainability, biodiversity conservation, natural disaster management and biosecurity.

8. SPRAT - Species Profile and Threats Database

The database is designed to provide information about species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act.

It provides information on what the species looks like, its population and distribution, habitat, movements, feeding, reproduction and taxonomic comments. The information has been compiled by summarising information from a range of sources and contributors. Profiles are available for all EPBC Act listed species and Ecological communities. New profiles are added at the time of listing.

9. Land Suitability data from NAWRA (Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment)

https://www.csiro.au/en/research/natural-environment/water/Water-resource-assessment/NAWRA

Land suitability analysis is the process of determining the potential of land for specific land uses on the basis of the local range of environmental attributes and qualities. The edaphic components of the land suitability mostly relate to soil attributes that have a key bearing on the growth and productivity of the irrigated and rainfed crops, or the amount of land preparation and maintenance of farming infrastructure needed that may affect the financial viability of the irrigation enterprise. Detailed information is available here.

For further information on land suitability in the Darwin area refer to Thomas et al. 2018.

10. SILO Weather Station Data

Custodians: Queensland Government, Bureau of Meteorology

Daily weather data from Bureau of Meteorology weather stations, that is provided in a form suited to agricultural models and analysis.  This includes interpolation to fill gaps in weather records and providing data in a range of file formats used in common crop models. Detailed information is available here.

For further information refer to Jeffrey et al. 2001.