| Autor: |
Beasley-Hall, P. G., Hedges, B. A., Cooper, S. J. B., Austin, A. D., Guzik, M. T. |
| Zdroj: |
Marine & Freshwater Research; 2024, Vol. 75 Issue 13, p1-13, 13p |
| Abstrakt: |
Context: The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) feeds thousands of springs in Australia's arid centre, supporting relictual species not found elsewhere on Earth. Springs are considerably threatened by ongoing water abstraction by industry. Robust management plans are needed to prevent further extirpations of GAB taxa, but fundamental biodiversity knowledge is lacking. Aims: We aimed to characterise major organismal groups in South Australian GAB springs and surrounding wetlands, their conservation and taxonomic status, and potential biodiversity hotspots and connectivity of spring ecosystems. Methods: Focusing on South Australia as a case study, we conducted a comprehensive review of GAB spring biota based on the published scientific and grey literature. Key results: Almost 500 taxa have been recorded from GAB springs, the majority being invertebrates. Community composition is highly heterogeneous among spring clusters and the true extent of spring biodiversity is far greater than currently known. Conclusions: GAB springs have intrinsic value as refugia for both endemics and cosmopolitan taxa. GAB invertebrates are poorly conserved and largely lacking in taxonomic knowledge. We highlight several potential biodiversity hotspots that have been overlooked in the literature. Implications: Fundamental biodiversity information on the GAB is crucial for decision making in conservation management, for industry, and for Traditional Custodians. The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is Australia's largest freshwater resource. Springs fed by the GAB support many species not found elsewhere on Earth, but conservation is hindered by a lack of fundamental knowledge about the plants, animals and fungi reliant on these habitats. Using South Australia as a case study, we provide a comprehensive review of GAB biodiversity in that state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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