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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.
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Threats
A main threat facing the fairy shrimp is the perception of its habitats as 'unsightly'; temporary pools are often infilled or converted to permanent ponds. Furthermore, water abstraction, causing a lowering of the water table and a loss of suitable habitat has also occurred at some sites. In the early 20th century, the fairy shrimp was known from common land in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, but the decline of traditional grazing on the commons has eliminated suitable habitat through conversion to scrub and woodland (3).
Conservation
Several colonies of the fairy shrimp are located within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), however this does not seem to protect this species. Suitable habitats need active management, and cattle trampling and grazing should be encouraged (3). The fairy shrimp is fully protected in the UK under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and listed as a Species of Conservation Concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, although not a priority species (2).
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There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
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