Prokaryotic diversity of geothermal hot springs from the Kerguelen Archipelago

Geothermal habitats in the Southern and Antarctic regions are sanctuaries of unique microbial, plant and animal biodiversity in very remote environments under harsh and cold conditions. As the endemic plant and animal populations of these regions, the microbial communities also require a special attention for their protection and conservation purposes. The purpose of this study is to inventory the thermophilic bacterial, archaeal communities and to coordinate environmental genomics and geochemistry in the geothermal habitats of the Kerguelen Archipelago.