Using DNA-barcoding, we studied the diversity of invasive European earthworms in the south-western corner of Australia. We found six Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units belonging to five morphospecies: Aporrectodea caliginosa, A. trapezoides, Dendrobaena cf. attemsi, Eiseniella tetraedra and Octolasion cyaneum. These were variously collected from indigenous forests and/or alienated land. Two cryptic lineages were found within A. trapezoides, and high intraspecific genetic variation was also found within E. tetraedravariation that had previously been documented in Europe. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of DNA-barcoding for the identification of earthworms, including cryptic species. Correct identification and high taxonomic resolution is crucial for the monitoring of cryptic diversity, detecting new introductions and monitoring spread of established exotic earthworms.
The rare heath mouse (Pseudomys shortridgei) is the only rodent lacking a conservation program in Western Australia. Little is known about the habitat requirements of P. shortridgei in Western Australia, and there is a lack of trapping focus that could target specific habitat components that this species may use. The purpose of this study was to (1) relate the occurrence of this species to measurable components of its habitat; (2) incorporate habitat information into a GIS modelling system to identify other areas of potentially suitable habitat; and (3) test for the presence of P. shortridgei in predicted areas. In Lake Magenta Nature Reserve, 93% of P. shortridgei captures (14�of 15 mice) were associated with characteristics of a mixed laterite heath community representing 57 plant species and a dense structural layer up to 1.2 m. Aerial photography and satellite imagery were used to identify the occurrence of mixed laterite heath elsewhere within the reserve. Ground-truthing using pre-defined habitat criteria found that the best predictive model to define habitat was aerial photography. Trapping was undertaken in two areas of the reserve predicted by the modelling and resulted in the successful capture of the target species. This study demonstrates that aerial photography maps can provide a basis for focusing future trapping effort within reserves where P. shortrigei is likely to occur. The use of this GIS method provides a low-cost and simple method for improving the chances of locating additional populations of P. shortridgei in other nature reserves.
-Boeckella pilkililli sp. nov. is described from a single, turbid, freshwater claypan located in the arid zone of Western Australia. The type locality is currently the only known location for the species. It was collected during an opportunistic survey of wetlands in the State's arid zone following a significant summer rainfall event in 2014. The most important diagnostic feature is located on the distal segment (B2) of the 2-segmented basipodite of the male fifth right leg where the distal inner edge is grossly transformed into a large, blunt, tongue-like outgrowth. As with other Boeckella inhabiting temporary wetlands, B. pilkililli sp. nov. is a relatively large species. A minireview of claypan ecology and a discussion of ecological aspects of body size and shape in Boeckella are included. An updated key to species of Boeckella occurring in the Australasian region is also presented. This incorporates three additional species.
Boeckella pilkililli sp. nov. is described from a single, turbid, freshwater claypan located in the arid zone of Western Australia. The type locality is currently the only known location for the species. It was collected during an opportunistic survey of wetlands in the State's arid zone following a significant summer rainfall event in 2014. The most important diagnostic feature is located on the distal segment (B2) of the 2-segmented basipodite of the male fifth right leg where the distal inner edge is grossly transformed into a large, blunt, tongue-like outgrowth. As with other Boeckella inhabiting temporary wetlands, B. pilkililli sp. nov. is a relatively large species. A minireview of claypan ecology and a discussion of ecological aspects of body size and shape in Boeckella are included. An updated key to species of Boeckella occurring in the Australasian region is also presented. This incorporates three additional species.
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