Evolution and Biodiversity the Mound springs of the Great Artesian Basin

Nick Murphy | Michelle Guzik | Andrew Austin | Steve Cooper | Rachael King

The mound springs of the Great Artesian Basin represent one of Australia's most unique and significant environments and are of national biodiversity, cultural and economic significance. The conservation of these unique environments is a national issue following their listing as a threatened ecological community. As economic productivity around the GAB intensifies, the mound springs are under increasing threat from escalating groundwater use. Research undertaken at ACEEBB in this ecosystem revolves around examining species and genetic diversity at a community level for conservation management and understanding the evolutionary history and speciation of the unique aquatic endemics isolated in these small "islands" surrounded by desert.

Collaborators and Partners

Our researchers have established strong collaborative links with Mark Adams of the South Australian Museum and Jessica Worthington Wilmer of QLD Museum. In addition we work with a number of partners including the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritag (DEH), BHP Billiton, Nature Foundation SA and SA Museum.