In time of global climate changes, astatic inland water reservoirs that contribute to water retention and alleviation of adverse effects of periodic river floods, are getting more and more important. Small, periodically drying off water reservoirs are also rich hubs of biodiversity. Animals especially connected to such ecosystems are primitive but unique crustaceans called tadpole shrimps (order Notostraca). Those animals seem to have universal significance – both ecological and economic. Though their primitive morphology and small size, they can radically affect the nature of their habitats, sometimes even helping us fight with noxious pests. Unfortunately, due to progressing global warming, intensification in agriculture, and urbanisation, habitats of notostracans are disappearing rapidly. Simultaneously, because of their rare occurences and taxonomic difficulties, tadpole shrimps have been insufficiently studied. However, protection of these crustaceans is inseparably connected with conservation of once numerous, periodically drying reservoirs as tadpole shrimps are referred as keystone species of such habitats. Thus, the aim of this review article is to sum up and disseminate current state of knowledge about Notostraca by a general overview of available international literature. This might help to engage more scientists into research and conservation of these little known, yet interesting crustaceans and their unique habitats.
Increasing anthropopressure affects natural ecosystems and may express itself in regional or spot contamination of water and soil environment. The quality of ground and surface waters depends to a large extent on drainage area management, where biogenic substances (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) are transported with surface run-offs to the environment. The article discusses results of studies on the drainage area of Lake Czolnowskie (Zachodniopomorskie Province). Studies covered physical and chemical assessment of soil conditions and water quality; additionally, fish was caught using two independent methods - gillnets and power generator (pursuant to CEN EN 14011 2003 and PN-EN 14011 2006). Results obtained confirm regular run-off of biogenic materials from the surface of farmed drainage area to Lake Czolnowskie. During the period of studies, the reservoir was exposed to i.e. reduction of water oxygen (3.56 mg/dm3) and permanently elevated level of general phosphorus (0.15-0.27 mg/dm3) and ammonium acid (0.16-0.27 mg/dm3), which degraded the quality of life for ichthyofauna inhabiting the lake.
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