GDEs

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems are those ecosystems that have their species composition, ecological processes and survival, determined by the presence and quality of groundwater

Troglofauna

Troglofauna are the specialised invertebrate terrestrial (air breathing) fauna of caves.

They are highly adapted to living in perpetual darkness, high humidity and are usually highly endemic.

Stygofauna

Aquifers and caves support a complex biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates called "Stygofauna".

These are specialised organisms with ancient heritages that inhabit groundwater environments.

Base Flow Rivers

Hyporheic faunas are highly evolved invertebrates that live within the stream bed.

This is the transition zone between surface and groundwater environments.

Short Range Endemics

Short Range endemic species are invertebrates that have naturally small distributions of less than 1,000 km².

Aquatic Management

Land and water use activities which impact on Aquatic Ecosystems are required to be managed within a regulatory and licensing framework.