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Hidden by their size and habits, salamanders — those charismatic microfauna integral to ecological functions — are equally worthy of consideration.

And while other broods are still present on the island, the nationwide wave of insect interest spurred by this one in particular “really brings attention to our charismatic microfauna,” said Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann.

Cataloguing should include all the viruses in human tissues; those in the bacteria, protists, fungi and worms that inhabit human bodies; those in our close associates — pets, pests and farm animals; and the viruses in the microfauna that inhabit these animals.

My research focuses on marine zooplankton, which I think of as “charismatic microfauna.”

Such findings raise the possibility that scientists might be able to create a “package” of charcoal, nutrients, and microfauna that could be used to transform bad tropical soil into terra preta.