Abstract
This study synthesises information on the biology of the unique and diverse halophilic macroinvertebrates of Australian salt lakes, focusing on gastropods and crustaceans. This information is needed to evaluate and manage the threats posed to these invertebrates by increased periods of drought and secondary salinisation. Most of these species are endemic to Australian salt lakes, and some have adapted to extreme conditions (e.g. salinities >100 g L–1 and pH <5). This study identifies key general findings regarding the taxonomy, ecology and life histories of these invertebrates, such as that many ‘new’ species have been uncovered in the past 20 years, with more likely to come. The study also identifies critical knowledge gaps, such as the need to elucidate the abiotic and biological drivers of the field distributions of species, including why some species are widespread and common whereas other congeneric species are rare or have narrow distributions. Those species that are either restricted to low salinity environments or survive dry periods as aestivating adults (as opposed to desiccation-resistant eggs) are probably the most vulnerable to increasing salinisation and drought. Future work should prioritise the development of a sound taxonomy for all groups, because this is needed to underpin all other biological research.
Highlights
Salt lakes are defined as enclosed bodies of water with salinity .3 g LÀ1, the salinity is usually much greater than this (Williams 1964)
This review focuses on the fauna of Australian athalassic salt lakes but includes data for athalassic species in coastal lakes
Halophilic macroinvertebrates were identified from published ecological studies of Australian salt lakes (Table 1) and from unpublished data held by the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
Summary
Salt lakes are defined as enclosed bodies of water with salinity .3 g LÀ1, the salinity is usually much greater than this (Williams 1964). Salt lakes are often classed as either athalassic (inland) or coastal (possessing a current or recent connection with the marine environment, including via groundwater; Bayly and Williams 1966). At least in Australia, coastal and athalassic salt lakes are characterised by different faunas. The former mainly contain species that have current or recent marine or estuarine affinities (Timms 2009a, 2010a; Pinder and Quinlan 2015), whereas the latter mainly contain taxa that have evolved in and are restricted to these systems (Bayly 1972). Some athalassic species occasionally occur in coastal lakes (Timms 2009a; Pinder and Quinlan 2015). This review focuses on the fauna of Australian athalassic salt lakes but includes data for athalassic species in coastal lakes
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