A first comprehensive dataset of the large branchiopods (Branchiopoda, Anostraca, Notostraca, Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata, Cyclestherida) of India

Background: Large branchiopod crustaceans play a crucial ecological and economic role as flagship species in temporary aquatic habitats. With less than 10% of the global fauna identified in the Indian subcontinent, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research that includes open access information on their diversity and distribution. Such data generation is vital as it provides key insights to support management and conservation efforts. Given the limited, fragmented and incomplete information on the diversity and distribution of large branchiopods in India, we offer the first comprehensive compilation of species occurrence records for the country. This compilation integrates data from our field collections (2020-2024) and relevant information extracted from literature (from 1859-2024). We provide 581 comprehensive records of 46 species from India, revising the names and taxonomic classification of certain species to highlight the significance of detailed, georeferenced occurrence data in improving our knowledge of large branchiopod biodiversity and distribution. Additionally, we introduce the Rshiny application, which illustrates the spatial distribution of all large branchiopod species found in India, along with their frequency across various habitat types. New information: Katke, Padhye & Vanjare, 2025 was also identified from our samples. An updated RShiny app, entitled 'LbranchidistributR' is presented for visualising the spatial distribution of all large branchiopod species occurring in India, along with the frequency of occurrence in different habitat types.