The aim of the present study has been to assess the species richness,
distribution and conservation status of large branchiopods in
Wielkopolska province, Western Poland. Wielkopolska – as many
other European regions – has been long inhabited and intensively
exploited by man. However, it is still rich in small water
bodies, so in potential large branchiopod habitats. Particular parts
of this region have diverse relief and numbers of water bodies as a
consequence of different glacial history. Thus, this region offers an
opportunity to analyse the species’ conservation status with reference
to natural conditions and human impact. Considering the
characteristics of the region we hypothesised that: