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Project summary:
Analysis of the distribution records and previous studies of the biology of mountain shrimps of the genus Anaspides demonstrates that climatic factors are the main limits to distribution. Geological, climatic and fire history most likely account for the absence of the genus from eastern Tasmania. The major threats to Anaspides have been identified as predation by fish, warming of the alpine environment and human modification of the physical environment. The degree of threat posed by these factors is impossible to quantify at present without resolution of the taxonomic status of the species and possible sub-species comprising the genus Anaspides.
Anaspides tasmaniae is relatively common in Tasmania and occurs on Mount Weld at Warra. Anaspides spinulae possibly has a wider distribution than previously thought. As their distributions lie nearly entirely within national parks and there is no direct evidence for any significant reduction of their distribution, their future seems relatively secure at present. Some cave forms may be assigned specific status. They merit special concern with regard to their preservation status due to their highly restricted distributions and their vulnerability to disturbance.
So little is known or understood of the relationship between trout and Anaspides and the behavioural ecology of Anaspides that no clear assessment of the threat posed by introduced fish is possible without further experimental studies.
Methodology: Not available
Datasets: None available.
Publications: O’Brien, D.P. (1990). The conservation status of the mountain shrimp (Anaspides tasmaniae and Anaspides spinulae). A report on its distribution, ecology and taxonomy, including recommendations for management. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Hobart.
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