Tardigrade

About

How tardigrade lives

Tardigrades are microscopic animals that live in films of water on mosses, soils, and sediments. Some tardigrades can enter a dormant tun state that survives extreme drying. Wetlands combine land and water resources, making them rich feeding zones for adaptable species.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting tardigrade also depends on keeping wetland, forest habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Some tardigrades can enter a dormant tun state that survives extreme drying.
• Short life cycles allow many insects to adapt quickly to seasonal changes.
• Wetlands combine land and water resources, making them rich feeding zones for adaptable species.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.