Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Keystone Large Branchiopods in Northeastern Tanzanian Temporary Wetlands Using Morphological Analyses: Implications for Ecosystem Management
Internship details
2025 and 2026
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Dr. Brendonck Luc
Arthropoda/Pancrustacea/Allotriocarida/Branchiopoda
This project aims to advance understanding of the biodiversity, taxonomy, and ecological roles of large branchiopods in Northeastern Tanzania’s temporary wetlands, focusing on species-level identification and classification through morphological characteristics. The primary research objectives are (1) to document species composition and distribution of large branchiopods across selected wetland sites and (2) to conduct a detailed taxonomic analysis based on morphological traits to clarify species distinctions. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in branchiopod taxonomy and diversity in Afro-tropical regions, where temporary wetlands face increased degradation and biodiversity loss. By examining key morphological traits, I aim to identify and catalog large branchiopod species, providing foundational data to support future ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. In addition, the project will assess branchiopod contributions to wetland ecosystems functioning, focusing on their roles in nutrient cycling and food webs. Documenting these roles will highlight the ecological importance of branchiopods in temporary wetlands and support the development of conservation strategies for these critical habitats amidst environmental changes. The findings will further contribute to the development of biomonitoring tools for temporary wetlands and inform conservation strategies aimed at protecting these keystone species and their habitats in the region.