The Cambrian age crustacean findings (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) in the area of Pirot and its surroundings

Abstract

A high Crustacean diversity has been noted at the territory of Pirot District and the surrounding area in recent times. This study will present an overview data on the presence of ancient crustaceans belonging to the class Branchiopoda (known as "living fossils") in the Pirot area. Their ancestors appeared on Earth in the Cambrian period and survive to these days. This determinates Pirot and its surroundings (especially Stara planina Mt.) as important area not only in the field of biology. Some of the crustacean taxa are new for Serbian fauna. However, large branchiopods live in ephemeral aquatic habitats that are often threatened and vulnerable, and usually are not considered in assessing the environmental impact.