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RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.

The freshwater fauna of the South Polar Region: A 140-year review

Papers & Reports

Summary

The metazoan fauna of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic freshwaters is reviewed. Almost 400 species, notably rotifers, tardigrades and crustaceans have been identified. Sponges, molluscs, amphibians, reptiles and fishes are absent though salmonid fishes have been successfully introduced on some of the sub-Antarctic islands. Other alien introductions include insects (Chironomidae) and annelid worms (Oligochaeta). The fauna is predominately benthic in habitat and becomes increasingly depauperate at higher latitudes. Endemic species are known but only a few are widely distributed. Planktonic species are rare and only one parasitic species has been noted

 

Keywords:

freshwater, fauna, Antarctica, sub-Antarctic Islands, maritime Antarctic, continental Antarctica

Acknowledgement of Country

The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.

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On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.