Preliminary study on tardigrade taxocenosis in epiphytic cryptogams of patagonia steppe, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

MEIER, M.F.; ROCHA, A.M; OSTERTAG, B. ; GRABOSKY, A. ; MESSUTI, M.I.

Cracovia

Simposio; 15th International Symposium on Tardigrada; 2022

Jagiellonian University

Background: Knowledge of tardigrades in National Parks is poorly understood worldwide. Especially in Patagonia, records of tardigrades are sparse and mainly concentrated in Andean-Patagonian forests, so there is an information gap regarding the steppe areas. The main objective of this work is to study the structure and composition of the tardigrade taxocenosis in epiphytic cryptogams of the steppe in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina. Methods: The study area is characterized by dry and cool weather with strong winds from the west and annual precipitation averaging 200 mm. The predominant vegetation is spiny shrubs and grasses. Tardigrades were sampled from epiphytic cryptogams (bryophytes and lichens) growing on native tree trunks. Various biotic and abiotic environmental variables were considered.Results: Five species of eutardigrades were identified and no heterotardigrade was detected. The species found belong to the following genera: Macrobiotus, Mesobiotus, Milnesium, Minibiotus, and Ramazzottius. Being the last genus clearly the most abundant. Subsequently, the α-diversity was analysed and the indicator species were determined.Conclusions: The present work represents a preliminary study on ecological and taxonomic aspects of tardigrades, within the Patagonian steppe.