Ephemeral waters are a threatened habitat all over Europe. Overgrowth and drainage have resulted in fragmentation and low habitat levels, with reduced probability for  re-colonization after local extinctions of otherwise highly specialised species. Large branchiopods are one such group of endangered species. Their unique ecology comprise a short life cycle coupled with dormancy in sediments during drought. Can quarries be used to create such habitats and preserve the endangered species?

The purpose of this study is to investigate habitat requirements of fairy shrimp (Tanymastix stagnalis), a crustacean thriving in ephemeral waters on Öland. This shrimp can be used as a model species for understanding of key habitat factors.

We assume that morphometry and hydroperiod are of prime importance for survival and reproductive rate of the shrimps. We expect that hydroperiod interact with growth rate and predation risks. Second, we think that the type of substrate is important for vital rates of the shrimps. The importance of these factors will be studied in a field experiment in the quarry.