A species of crustaceans unknown to world science was discovered in the Utrish reserve

A new species of crustaceans, previously unknown to world science, has been discovered on the territory of the Utrish Reserve in the Krasnodar Territory. The discovery was made by a group of scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution. A.N. Severtsov RAS. This was reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on its website.

“The crustacean is named after the reserve - nifargus utrishensis Niphargus utrishensis Marin et Palatov sp.n,” the report says.

In the reserve, freshwater invertebrates were examined in lakes, streams, wells and water outlets between rock layers in crevices and on the coast. Scientists have discovered about 12 species endemic to the Caucasus. To identify invertebrates, morphological comparisons were made, and a DNA barcode was detected.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, citing the head of the expedition, candidate of biological sciences Ivan Marin, these animals settled in their current habitats at least five million years ago - at the end of the Miocene.

“We believe that the current distribution of species is determined rather by the “growth” of the Caucasian coastal mountain ranges and the fragmentation of karst occurring over the past 2-3 million years. Due to the fact that these animals are not capable of active settlement, these unique ancient genetic lines (species) and their biotopes - underground aquatic habitats - need special protection,” said Marin.

According to the members of the expedition, a serious threat to the habitat of these unique crustaceans today is the depletion of groundwater.