When you are successful with this project, maybe you could try a captive breeding program with the Rare Dwarf Shrimp that lives in Califorina.
John
Hi NewJohn, can you please tell me a little more about this Rare Dwarf Shrimp? I am from California and would like to know more about these shrimp and possibly work with them if I can.
He was referring to Syncaris pacifica, native to "lowland perennial streams in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties." Habitat loss has rendered this Atyid (with the 1930s extinction of Syncaris pasadenae of southern CA, the sole surviving member of its genus) federally endangered.
Further information and images are available at this page. An excellent overview of life history and ongoing threats is available here.
I read all the info now I want some. Sounds like a real good species to keep going in the hobby. A native species that needs help. A good cause and a good reason to propagate this species.
If you can tie in with one of the local connected acedemics it may be possible. I know in my rock hounding hobby that it is possible to volunteer and get to collect in areas that are normally off limits. The univeriity gets to keep anything it wants, but it sure is better than nothing. If you are known to be a credible shrimp breeder, who knows?
Newjohn wrote:
I just thought with YuccaPatrol's back ground, if there would be any chance of legaly getting a few Shrimp to try and breed them.
He might have a better chance than most.
Unfortunately, the incredible amount of paperwork, legal issues, and intense scrutiny from the government makes it incredibly difficult to possess and work with any endangered species. It is not something that I am willing to put myself through at this point.
That is why I have chosen to work with crayfish species that are rare and in need of conservation efforts but are not currently protected by state or federal regulations. I'll have the freedom to conduct my research as I see fit without any outside interference.
We also have an endangered freshwater shrimp here: the Alabama Cave Shrimp, but I do my best not to remind myself that it exists so that I won't obsess over it.
Also: California was willing to work with hobbyist breeders back in the 70's/80's, as far as pupfish go, but most of them failed to deliver what was promised (breeding reports, etc). This used up most of the govt's "good will" toward the home-aquarium sector, so you'd better be attached to some research program if you want the proper paperwork.
