The Lake Pedder earthworm (Hypolimnus pedderensis) is an extinct earthworm species in the family Megascolecidae.[1][2] Its genus Hypolimnus is monotypic.[3]
It was endemic to the Lake Pedder area in Tasmania, Australia, prior to its flooding in 1972 for a hydro-electric power scheme. It is only known from the holotype specimen collected from a Lake Pedder beach in 1971. A 1996 survey failed to find it and it is presumed extinct.[1]
The Lake Pedder earthworm mainly fed on microbes or algae on sand particles. Their feeding habits were seen to have a considerable impact on the banks of the lake, as the particles they consumed were deposited on the surface of the ground in the form of castings. As these castings were exposed to air, the soil was aerated, improving both the drainage and water holding capacity of the soil.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Blakenmore, R.J. (2003). "Hypolimnus pedderensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2003: e.T41254A10424837. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2003.RLTS.T41254A10424837.en. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Species Hypolimnus pedderensis (Jamieson, 1974 (extinct))". Australian Faunal Directory. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Hypolimnus Blakemore, 2000". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ De Vos, Rick (25 September 2019). "Inundation, Extinction and Lacustrine Lives". Cultural Studies Review. 25 (1): 102–118. doi:10.5130/csr.v25i1.6394. ISSN 1837-8692.
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