Colonization of Algae and Cyanobacteria on Calcareous Remains of Dead Animals in Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica

The Larsemann Hills (60°20'-60°30'S, 75°55'-76°30'E), is an ice-free coastal oasis of 50 km², located approximately halfway between the Vestfold Hills and the Amery Ice Shelf on the southeastern coast of Prydz Bay, Princess Elizabeth land, East Antarctica, bordered by two main peninsulas, Broknes and Stornes and several islands. It is the second largest of only four major ice-free oases. A congenial microclimate along with adequate freshwater during summer provide a hospitable environment for the aquatic as well as terrestrial biota.