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The microarthropods of sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Island: a quantitative assessment

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Abstract

The biodiversity in the sub-Antarctic region is threatened by climatic change and biological invasions, which makes the understanding of distributions of biotas on sub-Antarctic islands essential. Although the distribution patterns of vascular plants and insects on sub-Antarctic islands are well documented, this is not always the case for microarthropods. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of the distribution and abundance of microarthropods on Prince Edward Island (PEI), one of two islands in the Prince Edward Island group. Microarthropod community structure differed significantly between PEI and nearby Marion Island, with only two invasive alien species found on PEI compared with Marion Island. Furthermore, species richness, abundance and community structure differed significantly between habitat types on both islands. This study emphasizes the importance of quarantine measures when visiting PEI to maintain its status as one of the more pristine islands in the sub-Antarctic region.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Alvan Gabriel and Jaco Barendse for assistance with sampling, and David Marshall for advice on mite identifications. This work was partially supported by a South African National Antarctic Programme Grant to B. Jansen van Vuuren (GUN 2069543).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Conservation Ecology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    Elizabeth A. Hugo

  2. Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    Melodie A. McGeoch

  3. Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    Steven L. Chown

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  1. Elizabeth A. Hugo
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  2. Steven L. Chown
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  3. Melodie A. McGeoch
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Correspondence to Melodie A. McGeoch.

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Hugo, E.A., Chown, S.L. & McGeoch, M.A. The microarthropods of sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Island: a quantitative assessment. Polar Biol 30, 109–119 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0166-x

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