The Terrestrial Macroinvertebrates of the Sub-Antarctic Iles Kerguelen and Ile de la Possession

Book excerpt: The sub-Antarctic islands are remote and isolated environments with original flora and fauna composed of a few species that are highly adapted to cold oceanic conditions. Their peculiar naturalness makes these ecosystems intrinsically fragile. This book focuses on terrestrial ecosystems and, in particular, on invertebrates - earthworms, mollusks, spiders and insects - that inhabit the French sub-Antarctic islands of the South Indian Ocean. All native and introduced species are presented in the form of individual fact sheets, which include the main identification criteria, geographical distribution and principal ecological traits. Numerous summary tables, distribution maps of introduced species, and a discussion on the originality and vulnerability of this fauna are also included. The Terrestrial Macroinvertebrates of the Sub-Antarctic Iles Kerguelen and Ile de la Possession is based on an expansive literature base, as well as on observations and photographs taken as part of a research program funded by the French Polar Institute Paul-Emile Victor (IPEV). The book also gives an important part to the history of the discoveries of the different species, as well as current conservation issues.