near-shore islands, based on the geography, geology, climate, flora
and fauna of the ice-free areas, including the biologically distinct
Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions.
Australian Antarctic Division terrestrial biologist Aleks Terauds, who
led the study, said thisis the first time a continent-wide
assessmentof the biogeography of Antarctica has been made using all of
the available biodiversity data.
"The new research amalgamated 38,000 terrestrial records, including
the diverse biology such as microbes, invertebrates and plants.
Itrevealed a complex ecosystem which can be divided into 15 very
distinct and potentially delicate biogeographic regions which are
characterised by different climates, landscapes and species," Terauds
said.
"Previously terrestrial Antarctica has been dividedinto two main areas
based on aspects like geography geology or specific types
ofbiodiversity," Terauds said, Diversity and Distribution Journal
reports.
Introduced species are identified as one of the biggest threats to the
Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in a warming climate,
according to an Australian Antarctic statement.
"With about 40,000 peoplevisiting Antarctica over a summer, as
tourists, scientists or station support personnel, there's the
potential that more species will be accidentally transferred to and
within Antarctica."
"While quarantine procedures are already in place for
inter-continental travel, such as cleaning clothing and equipment
before arriving in Antarctica, there are less biosecurity measures for
intra-continental movement," he said.
"The Antarctic ConservationBiogeographic Regions represent an
important basis for biosecurity measures to manage the risk of
species, including species native to Antarctica, being transferred
from one biogeographic zone to another."
Terauds presented the newresearch at the Scientific Committee on
Antarctic Research lecture at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative
Meeting in Hobart, Australia.