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Macquarie Perch
Habitat
Macquarie makes the world merry!
The Macquarie Perch needs water with lots of cover and protection, such as overhanging banks and aquatic vegetation (Macquarie, 2021). They rely on the freshwater wetlands of Australia. Wetlands are the biome in charge of replenishing groundwater, filtering and storing water and are home to thousands of animal and plant species (Amazing, 2021). 40% of the world's species live/breed in wetlands, and 25% of those are now close to extinction including the Macquarie Perch (Wetlands, 2018). Wetlands and waterways have to have specific conditions for the Macquarie to survive. The surface levels require rainfall and climate change has been affecting the amount of rainfall. An increase in temperature and evaporation means less runoff for lakes and wetlands (National, 2018).
(Fetch, 2019)
Don't let the ecosystem crack, save the mac
Importance in Ecosystem
Macquarie Perch plays a huge role in the ecosystem. It is a small fish but makes a huge difference. It controls overpopulation of insects and bugs by eating them. It also provides food for many bigger fish and birds (National, 2018). Predators that rely on the Macquarie Perch are European Carp, Redfin Perch, Rainbow trout and Brown trout. If the Macquarie Perch goes extinct then all these species could also go extinct, setting off a whole chain effect (Species, 2021). We need your help to save freshwater ecosystems!
(Pearson, 2019)
(Murphy, 2020)
Photo of the Murray-Darling Basin, where some Macquarie live
Close up photo of the Macquarie Perch in its natural habitat