Austrogammarus australis

Austrogammarus australis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Amphipoda
Family: Paramelitidae
Genus: Austrogammarus
Species:
A. australis
Binomial name
Austrogammarus australis
(Sayce, 1901)

Austrogammarus australis, also known as the Dandenong amphipod, is a species of amphipod crustacean in the family Paramelitidae. It is endemic to Australia and until recently thought to be extinct, but surveys conducted in the Dandenong Ranges have revealed small populations.[2] Recent works have been undertaken to improve habitat quality and extend the range of the invertebrate.

Found in the same ecological niche as similar amphipod species, the distinctive "sideways" swimming style and somewhat "hairy" appearance of the amphipod differentiate it. Found in leaf litter at the beginning of small creeks, in at least canopy 75% shade over the water, the species belongs to the shredder feeding guild and occupies the area accordingly, feeding mostly on native detritus and allocthonous materials.

References

  1. ^ Preston, T. (2014). "Austrogammarus australis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T2425A18607247. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T2425A18607247.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ Christopher J. Walsh; Phil J. Papas; Diane Crowther; PuaTai Sim; Jaeyong Yoo (2004). "Stormwater drainage pipes as a threat to a stream-dwelling amphipod of conservation significance, Austrogammarus australis, in southeastern Australia". Biodiversity and Conservation. 13 (4): 781–793. doi:10.1023/B:BIOC.0000011726.38121.b0.


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