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Typhlocaris galilea
Typhlocaris galilea is a species of troglobitic shrimp in the genus Typhlocaris, and is endemic to one pool and spring that feeds it, at Tabgha in Israel. The species is critically endangered and a conservation programme to conserve the species has begun. DescriptionThe relict[1] species was first described in 1909, by William Thomas Calman.[2] The shrimp are semi-transparent and blind.[3] Adult specimens are approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.[3] Their diet probably consists mainly of a small red tubificid worm, Isochaeta israelis.[4] DistributionThe shrimp is endemic to one chamber of a Roman cistern, Ein-Nur octagonal pool (the private property of a monastery,[1] at 32°52′25″N 35°32′57″E / 32.8736°N 35.5493°E), and a warm (27 °C or 81 °F),[5] sulphuric,[5] saline[1] subterranean spring that feeds it, at Tabgha,[6] on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.[3][7] ConservationThe species is now critically endangered, as the extraction of ground water has allowed foreign water into the pool, changing its composition and temperature.[3] It is legally protected (Section 5, paragraphs D and E, of the Fisheries Rules of 1937 as amended).[8] In 2013, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority approached the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo to develop a captive breeding programme for the species, with a view to later reintroduction.[3] See also
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Further reading
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Typhlocaris galilea.
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