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Typhlocaris galilea is a species of troglobitic shrimp in the genus Typhlocaris, and is endemic to one pool and spring that feeds it, at Tabgha in Israel. The species is critically endangered and a conservation programme has begun.
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Description
The relict species was first described in 1909, by William Thomas Calman.
The shrimp are semi-transparent and blind. Adult specimens are approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Their diet probably consists mainly of a small red tubificid worm, Isochaeta israelis.
Distribution
The shrimp is endemic to one chamber of a Roman cistern, Ein-Nur octagonal pool (the private property of a monastery, at 32.8736°N 35.5493°E / 32.8736; 35.5493), and a warm (27 °C or 81 °F), sulphuric, saline subterranean spring that feeds it, at Tabgha, on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.
Conservation
The species is now critically endangered, as the extraction of ground water has allowed foreign water into the pool, changing its composition and temperature. It is legally protected (Section 5, paragraphs D and E, of the Fisheries Rules of 1937 as amended).
In 2013, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority approached the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo to develop a captive breeding programme for the species, with a view to later reintroduction.