The biodiversity of terrestrial flatworms (Triclada: Terricola) in Queensland: a preliminary report

Abstract

Prior to this study of the Terricola in Queensland only nine species of terrestrial flatworms (land planarians) were reported from south and mid-east Queensland. Nothing was known of the flatworm taxa of the northern regions of the state. As a result of the study the known Queensland flatworm fauna has been increased over six fold. Eight genera and over 80% of the 62 species are new. Seven exotic species have been recorded from disturbed habitat. The flatworm fauna in the northern tropics exhibits high diversity and apparent endemicity in both the Rhynchodemidae and Geoplanidae, and shares some taxa with Indonesia and Irian-Jaya - Papua-New Guinea. It includes Cotyloplana, Digonopyla and Dolichoplana not previously recorded from the Australian mainland. The southern areas of the state are dominated by a less diverse geoplanid fauna with affinities with the southeastern states and New Zealand. Threats to conservation include deforestation and destruction of remnant ground cover by humans and exotic animals.