Sea-level rise in northern Australia’s Kakadu National Park: a survey of floodplain eukaryotes

Sea-level rise poses significant threats to northern Australia’s coastal habitats, particularly the biodiverse floodplains of Kakadu National Park (KNP). A study using amplicon sequencing revealed that both floodplain morphology and river positioning significantly influence eukaryotic soil communities in KNP's South Alligator River floodplain. Salinity and pH emerged as dominant factors shaping these communities, especially in estuarine regions with major tidal influence. This research provides critical baseline data on how increased and prolonged saltwater exposure may reshape eukaryotic communities, offering insights into the potential impacts of sea-level rise on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stephenson, S. A., Nelson, T. M., Streten, C., Gibb, K. S., Williams, D., Greenfield, P., & Chariton, A. A. (2018). Sea-level rise in northern Australia’s Kakadu National Park: a survey of floodplain eukaryotes. Marine and Freshwater Research, 69(7), 1134–1145. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf18067