The Banff National Park is home to all sorts of beautiful wildlife, including 53 species of mammals–Grizzly bears, cougars, or wolverines. You name it, Banff National Park has it!
But there’s more to Banff National Park’s wildlife than meets the eye. Literally, and we aren’t talking about ghosts or ghouls, either.
Introducing the Stygobromus Canadensis.
This little fella also goes by the name Castleguard Cave amphipod, which is slightly less mind-melting to read. Amphipods are crustaceans that look like ghostly little shrimp.
This critter is named after Castleguard Cave in the Banff National Park. Measured 21 kilometres long, this is one of Canada’s longest caves. But that’s not even the coolest part.
This cave is the only place in the world where this amphipod species can be found! Because of this, Castleguard Cave is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA).
In simple terms, a Key Biodiversity Area is an area that protects species and habitats. KBA programs work with governments, local conservation organizations, Indigenous Nations, and scientists to identify unique areas like Castleguard Cave.
“This tiny cave-dwelling organism is only found in Castleguard Cave, and nowhere else on the planet,” Anne Forshner, Parks Canada species of concern ecologist, told CTV News Calgary.
Castleguard Cave isn’t exactly the homiest place in Banff National Park. But, against all odds, this amphipod has managed to survive for thousands of years.
“Scientists still don’t know a great deal about this particular amphipod, which has somehow survived for millennia in this cold, nutrient-poor and frequently flooded environment,” said Parks Canada.
The Castleguard Cave amphipod is currently classified as critically imperilled, according to NatureServe. In other words, this little guy is on the brink of extinction.
KBAs aren’t legally protected, but you can be your bottom dollar that conservationists in Banff National Park will do everything they can to protect this precious shrimp.
