<
https://theconversation.com/meet-the-weird-wonderful-creatures-that-live-in-australias-desert-water-holes-they-might-not-be-there-much-longer-269814>
"You might think of Australia’s arid centre as a dry desert landscape devoid of
aquatic life. But it’s actually dotted with thousands of rock holes – natural
rainwater reservoirs that act as little oases for tiny freshwater animals and
plants when they hold water.
They aren’t teeming with fish, but are home to all sorts of weird and wonderful
invertebrates, important to both First Nations peoples and desert animals.
Predatory damselflies patrol the water in search of prey, while alien-like
water fleas and seed shrimp float about feeding on algae.
Often overlooked in favour of more photogenic creatures, invertebrates make up
more than 97% of all animal species, and are immensely important to the
environment.
Our new research reveals 60 unique species live in Australia’s arid rock holes.
We will need more knowledge to protect them in a warming climate."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
