Assessment of the diversity, distribution and uniqueness of subterranean animals from calcrete aquifers in central western Australia

最近，在西澳大利亚中部与古排水沟有关的许多孤立的钙质含水层中，出人意料地发现了丰富多样的地下无脊椎动物动物群。我们最近的分类和分子研究表明，每个含水层中的海鞘动物可能是高度地方性的。我们的目的是通过调查三个主要钙质区的茎栖动物的多样性、分布和独特性来验证这一假设。我们的进一步目标是记录含水层内的环境条件和可变性，并制定严格的采样方案。这些数据对于制定地下水及其生态系统可持续管理的适当战略至关重要。

Recently a rich and diverse subterranean invertebrate fauna (stygofauna) was unexpectedly discovered from numerous isolated calcrete aquifers associated with palaeodrainage channels in central Western Australia. Our recent taxonomic and molecular studies have suggested that stygofaunas within each aquifer may be highly endemic. We aim to test this hypothesis by investigating the diversity, distribution and uniqueness of stygofauna from three major calcrete regions. We further aim to document the environmental conditions and variability within the aquifers and to develop rigorous sampling protocols. Such data are essential for the development of appropriate strategies for sustainable management of subterranean water and their ecosystems.