Examination of stygofauna ecosystems of the Beetaloo Sub-basin

Stygofauna are tiny animals that live in groundwater systems or aquifers. They are important as a biodiversity resource,
an indicator of groundwater ecosystem health, and potential providers of ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling.

Studying these communities is essential for advancing our understanding of groundwater ecology, the health of aquatic
ecosystems, and the impacts of human activities on water resources in unique environments like the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

For this project, groundwater bores within the Beetaloo Sub‑basin were sampled across three surveys: October 2022 (pre-wet season), July–September 2023 (dry season), and April–May 2024 (post-wet season).

Sampling targeted 45 bores across the Tindall Limestone of the Daly Basin, the Anthony Lagoon Formation, and the Gum Ridge Formation of the Georgina Basin, with a mix of cased and non‑cased bores.

Results of these studies are important for informing appropriate policy and management responses to onshore gas and other development proposals.