We propose to continue our inventory of water bears (Phylum Tardigrada). To date (Jan Œ04) we have identified just over 2000 specimens discovering 46 new records for the park including 8 species new to science.   We have completed most of our field collecting but have a backlog of samples to process and identify.   In addition to continuing the basic inventory, we will work on: describing our new species, developing an on-line taxonomic key to tardigrades, beginning a photo catalogue of our species, and mapping species distributions in the park.

Species Report: TardiTaxonomy.pdf

Principal Investigator

PI Name:  Dr. Paul J Bartels

PI Organization:  Environmental Studies Department, Warren Wilson College