Diversity and conservation status of large branchiopods (Crustacea) in ponds of western Poland

A survey on temporary ponds has been conducted in search for large branchiopod crustaceans (Anostraca, Notostraca, Spinicaudata and Laevicaudata) in Wielkopolska province (western Poland). 728 pools have been studied and large branchiopods have been found in 221 of them. Seven species have been recorded, including three anostracans: Branchipus schaefferi, Chirocephalus shadini and Eubranchipus grubii; two notostracans: Lepidurus apus and Triops cancriformis; one spinicaudatan, Cyzicus tetracerus and one laevicaudatan, Lynceus brachyurus. According to the analysis of co-occurrence, the species form three groups, differing in habitat preferences and conservation status. The number of species shows that the diversity of globally threatened large branchiopods is still relatively high in the region. On the other hand, their conservation status is highly diverse and in most species unfavourable. Distribution of all species is highly clustered: large branchiopods have been generally found in 33 UTM squares (10 × 10 km) of 96 squares studied. However, only two species, i.e. E. grubii and L. apus occurred in more than five such squares and could be assessed as moderately widespread. Most water bodies inhabited by large branchiopods occur in groups forming patches of suitable habitats which are dispersed among prevailing seemingly unsuitable areas. Sustaining the existence of large metapopulations seems, therefore, to be essential for conservation of branchiopod species diversity. Field observations also bring some examples of human activities unintentionally supporting the branchiopod conservation.