The distribution of Austrocrangonyx new species (Crustacea: Amphipoda) on the eastern New England plateau, Australia, with reference to riparian clearing

Abstract

The amphipod Austrocrangonyx n.sp. livesin forested streams above 1165m on the easternNew England plateau in NSW. Classification andRegression Tree (CART) analysis and principalcomponent biplots showed low streamtemperatures and high levels of coarseparticulate organic matter (CPOM), among manyenvironmental factors measured, were the mainfactors associated with its distribution andabundance. Riparian clearing, which increaseswater temperature and greatly reduces CPOM, isassociated with local extinction ofAustrocrangonyx. Secondary reafforestation isnot accompanied by return of the amphipod.