A contribution to the taxonomy and ecology of the Ostracoda (Crustacea) from Verlorenvlei (Western Cape, South Africa)

Abstract

Two preliminary surveys (one during the dry season and one during the wet season) of the ostracod fauna of Verlorenvlei (Western Cape) are presented. Fifteen species were found; two are reported for the first time from Africa. Various species are indicative of slightly saline to even hypersaline conditions. The morphology and ecology of the various species are briefly discussed, in order to allow future palaeo-environmental reconstructions based on ostracod fossils from this locality.