Australian Biological Resources Study
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The Australian Faunal Directory (AFD) is being compiled as a public enquiry database and will serve as a source of taxonomic and biological information on all animal species known to occur in Australia. It incorporates the data from the terminated Zoological Catalogue of Australia database project.
Central to the Australian Faunal Directory is a checklist which aims to list to family all animal groups known to occur in Australia and its dependant territories. Linked to this checklist at various taxonomic levels are databases ranging from simple checklists of names through to comprehensive catalogue style reports. Links to other sources of information, such as the Fauna of Australia, identification keys, endangered species, are under development.
Platypus, a taxonomic software package developed by ABRS, was used to compile the databases and to automate the preparation of the Internet reports used in this Australian Faunal Directory. This method yields a standard format and will provide consistency in the presentation of the data in the Australian Faunal Directory. The format and style of presentation, therefore, are the responsibility of the Australian Biological Resources Study. The authors of each section are responsible only for the information content.
During compilation of the Australian Faunal Directory, the level of information available will vary from one animal group to another. For some groups, this may consist initially of only a list of scientific names to species. For others it will include the data compiled for the Zoological Catalogue of Australia database and further information on biology, ecology and distribution. Where species lists are not yet available, the Australian Faunal Directory will aim to list at least all families known to occur in Australia.
Valid names are now available on the internet through the Australian Faunal Directory for an estimated 55% of described species. The groups available in the Australian Faunal Directory are listed on the Groups page. Data from both the Zoological Catalogue of Australia and the Fauna of Australia are included in the Australian Faunal Directory.
The central checklist to family was compiled from various sources and includes data derived from the Zoological Catalogue of Australia database, ABRS publications and advice from specialists. Due to the uncertain and changing status of many taxa, this checklist should be treated only as a guide and as a means to present the data. The checklist will be updated as new information is received. Published sections of the Catalogue database have been peer reviewed but users are advised that revised sections may not have been reviewed.
We welcome any suggestions or enquiries that you may have about the Australian Faunal Directory, including any additions and corrections to the data. We also welcome enquiries from authors who may wish to make their data available on this site.
Suggestions and queries concerning this site can be sent to the Australian Biological Resources Study at abrs@environment.gov.au