On the maps, how do I interpret the values for species richness and weighted endemism?
Species richness counts the number of different species within a particular area for a particular group of species – for example, the number of species of snakes. Endemic species are those which occur only in a small area. Weighted endemism estimates the degree to which the species found in an area have small distribution ranges. Places of high weighted endemism contain a component of Australia’s biodiversity which is restricted to this area or is found in few other places. On these maps, richness and endemism scores are calculated for a moving 30km square window, but summarised to the degree grid shown on the maps. For more detail on the methods used to estimate species richness and endemism, see An assessment of endemism and species richness patterns in the Australian Anura.
