Branchinecta belki
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branchinecta_belki
Overview
Branchinecta belki is a species of fairy shrimp in the family Branchinectidae. It is found in Central America.
Branchinecta belki faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' dependence on ephemeral pools makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes from groundwater pumping and altered precipitation patterns. Climate change poses an additional threat by disrupting the delicate timing of pool formation and drying cycles essential for completing its life cycle.
Habitat
This fairy shrimp inhabits temporary alkaline pools and seasonal wetlands in grassland and scrubland environments. The species requires ephemeral water bodies that fill during winter rains and gradually dry out, providing the specific salinity and temperature conditions necessary for reproduction and development.
