Conservation
As with all vernal pool species that occur in the Central Valley, suitable habitat for the California fairy shrimp has declined dramatically over the past century. Continued conversion of grassland-vernal pool ecosystems to urban or agricultural uses is the largest threat to survival of the California fairy shrimp.
In addition to direct habitat loss, California fairy shrimp populations have declined because of a variety of activities that render existing vernal pools unsuitable for the species. Alteration of vernal pool hydrology, in particular, can dramatically degrade vernal pool habitats. Vernal pool hydrology can be altered by a variety of activities, including the construction of roads, trails, ditches, or canals that can block the flow of water into, or drain water away from the vernal pools and vernal pool complexes.
Populations have also declined as a result of water contamination. Vernal pool crustaceans are highly sensitive to the water chemistry of their habitats. Contamination of vernal pools may injure or kill them. Toxic chemicals, such as petroleum products, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and soap may wash into vernal pools during development of adjacent areas.
In addition to altered hydrology and contamination, California fairy shrimp habitats have declined as a result of a variety of other incompatible land uses including off-road vehicle use, dumping, invasion of non-native species, vandalism, erosion and sedimentation.
It was proposed for listing along with the vernal pool fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, conservancy fairy shrimp and longhorn fairy shrimp. However the proposal was withdrawn when the other four species were listed. The Federal Register notice stated "The Service has considered the additional information and has determined that the California linderiella is not likely to become either endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of its range in the foreseeable future, and it does not qualify for listing under the Act.
Read more about this topic: Linderiella Occidentalis
Famous quotes containing the word conservation:
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