Tadpole shrimp  (Triops cancriformis)

This species is very sensitive to veterinary compounds that are released into the water from livestock dung. Predation by introduced predators such as ducks and fish, as well as pollution and the introduction of alien plants are also likely to have affected this species (3).

The tadpole shrimp is targeted as a priority species for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). The Species Action Plan produced as a result, aims to maintain the population in the New Forest and develop captive populations to allow research, increase public awareness and appreciation into the species, and in the long-term enable potential reintroductions of the tadpole shrimp into parts of its former range (3). Measures taken to conserve this species will also be likely to benefit other species that inhabit temporary ponds, such as the dung beetle Aphodius niger (3). The New Forest is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), an SPA (Special Protection Area), a RAMSAR site (a Wetland of International Importance) and a candidate SAC (Special Area for Conservation). English Nature's Species Recovery Programme is guiding research into the species, which is promoted by the Triops Conservation Group (3).