Protecting the Austrogammarus Australis Why These Crustaceans Matter
Austrogammarus australis, commonly known as the “Dandenong amphipod,” is a unique species of amphipod crustacean belonging to the family Paramelitidae. Endemic to Australia, this species was once presumed extinct but has recently been rediscovered in tiny populations within the Dandenong Ranges.
Ongoing conservation efforts aim to improve habitat quality and expand the range of this invertebrate.
Distinctive Characteristics
Physical characteristics of Austrogammarus australis include a body length of up to 2 cm and a pale, translucent appearance. They have elongated, segmented bodies and numerous pairs of legs, which give them their “amphipod” name, meaning “both feet.” These legs allow them to move quickly through their aquatic habitats, including streams, rivers, and swamps.
Austrogammarus australis stands out from other amphipod species due to its distinctive “sideways” swimming style and its somewhat “hairy” appearance. These unique traits help differentiate it from similar species occupying the same ecological niche.
Habitat and Feeding
The only known living animals occur at a Sherbrooke Creek, Hardy Creek, Clematis Creek and Sassafras Creek in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Austrogammarus australis live within cool inland freshwater environments, specifically headwater creeks, where they can be seen scurrying along the bottom of the water or hiding among vegetation.
This amphipod thrives in the leaf litter found at the beginnings of small creeks, preferring areas with at least 75% canopy cover over the water. The Dandenong amphipod is a member of the shredder feeding guild, feeding primarily on native detritus and allochthonous materials. This feeding behavior plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to the breakdown and recycling of organic matter.
Diet
Austrogammarus australis feeds on a variety of native detritus, helping to keep waterway habitats clean and healthy. Pollution from silt contained in road runoff or nutrient contamination from sullage – domestic and urban waste water is believed to have contributed to their decline.
Reproduction
Not much is known about the reproductive lifecycle of these animals. In 2017 a total of 287 individuals were identified using methods described in Papas and Crowther (2007). There are no information available on current population estimates.
Conservation Efforts
This crustacean is critically endangered. Despite their small size, Austrogammarus australis is both a decomposer and a food source for larger animals. They are not immune to the threats facing many species today, including habitat destruction and pollution.
You can do your bit but not putting pollutants of any kind down drains and sewers – these should always be recycled according to manufactures instructions.
Recent conservation initiatives have focused on enhancing habitat quality and extending the species’ range. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the survival of this once-thought-extinct amphipod and maintaining the health of the Dandenong Ranges’ aquatic environments.
There is so much more still to learn about the incredible Amphipod crustacean Austrogammarus australis, let’s not lose it.
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