We set up large scale mesocosm experiments to verify what the effect is of large branchiopods on temporary pond ecosystems. By manipulating the presence of tadpole shrimp, clam shrimp or fairy shrimp we tested how this impacted the rest of the community as well as several functional aspects of the ecosystem linked to ecosystem services. Although initially intended to be replicated in four countries, freak weather conditions ensured that it could only be performed succesfully in Poland and Spain. We were quite happy with the results and are working on a manuscript to document the patterns found.

The pictures below show the team in Spain, the mesocosm setup and the large branchiopods used: tadpole shrimps, fairy shrimps and clam shrimps.