Large branchiopods of the Algerian Sahara: Diversity and Distribution

Abstract

This study contributes to the understanding of large branchiopods in the Algerian Sahara. 43 water bodies in the Algerian Sahara have been sampled during the period between April 2021 to May 2023. In addition to the sampling of large branchiopods, physic-chemical parameters (Temperature, electric conductivity and pH) were measured in some of the sites. The objective of this study is to assess the biodiversity, distribution, and the effect of environmental conditions on those species in those extreme conditions. The results showed a total of 9 species were recorded including 5 species of Anostraca (Artemia salina, Branchipus schaefferi, Streptocephalus torvicornis, Tanymastigites perrieri, and Tanymastigites ajjeri), and 2 species of Notostraca (Triops simplex and Triops granarius) and Diplostraca (Eocyzicus saharicus sensu lato, and Leptestheria mayeti) each were recorded. Eocyzicus saharicus and Tanymastigites ajjeri were added to the list of the Algerian large branchiopods. E. saharicus was present in several locations in the Tassili N’Ajjer contrary to T. ajjeri which was recorded in a single location. Triops granarius sensu lato was recorded for the first time in the Tassili Najjer as well. Physic-chemical parameters have a significant and varying degree of influence on the diversity and population size and coexistence of large branchiopods as well as the similarity between the sites.