The tadpole shrimp is one of the oldest living animal species in the world.
Credit: NatureScot
A species long thought extinct in the UK, the tadpole shrimp (Triops cancriformis) has been rediscovered at the Mersehead Nature Reserve in Scotland for the first time in over 75 years. This small crustacean, often referred to as a “living fossil,” has survived largely unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.
The discovery was made following unusually heavy rainfall , which rehydrated temporary pools in which the shrimp’s dormant eggs had been lying buried for decades. NatureScot and RSPB Scotland confirmed that these eggs hatched successfully, giving the species a remarkable second chance in its historic habitat.
“This is a thrilling reminder of the resilience of nature ,” said a spokesperson from NatureScot. “Species we think are lost can persist quietly, waiting for the right conditions to reappear.”
The tadpole shrimp is not just a curiosity - it plays a role in the ecosystem of temporary pools, helping to maintain biodiversity by feeding on algae and detritus, and providing a food source for other wildlife.
Sources:
NatureScot
ITV News
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