Subterranean biodiversity in New South Wales: from rags to riches

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 8 years ago

ABSTRACT – The karst areas of New South Wales, Australia, support a diverse invertebrate subterranean fauna with up to 422 taxa recognised to date, of which 83 are obligate subierranean taxa. The terrestrial fauna is dominated by arachnids and insects and includes 45 terrestrial obligate taxa. A rich stygofauna has also been identified that contains 38 stygobites, dominated by crustaceans. Five karst areas are particularly important as focal points for biodiversity. Jenolan, Wombeyan, Wee Jasper and Stockyard Creek contribute significantly to the total subterranean fauna, while Wombeyan and Wellington are exceptional for their stygobitic communities. High levels of richness and endemism, as well as relictual distributions and ancient lineages highlight the significance of the fauna.