Aquatic microinvertebrate abundance and species diversity in peat-bogs of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

PATRICIA E., GARCIA; GARCIA, R. D.; MARINONE, M. C.; CASA, V.; GONZALEZ GARRAZA, G.; MATALONI, M. G.

LIMNOLOGY

SPRINGER TOKYO

Lugar: Tokyo; Año: 2016

1439-8621

Peat bogs are regarded as extreme environments due to their low pH and lownutrient concentration, and thus hold a unique biota adapted to theseparticular conditions. The island of Tierra del Fuego encompasses thesouthernmost extensive peat bog area in the world, and is thereforeparticularly interesting from a biogeographical viewpoint. Within a same peatbog, different environment types can be identified: clear ponds, vegetatedponds and Sphagnum patches. In thisstudy we compare the abundance, richness and species diversity ofmicroinvertebrate (Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera) in these three types ofenvironments from two peat bogs (Andorra and Rancho Hambre). Out of the 29 taxarecorded, 19 were common to both peat bogs, including four cladocerans endemicfrom Southern Patagonia and three rotifers endemic from Fuegian peat bogs. Therotifers were the dominant group in all environment types from Rancho Hambre,while in Andorra, the Sphagnum mosswas dominated by copepods, particularly harpacticoids. The results revealedthat the environment type rather than peat bog was the key factor at explainingdifferences in species richness and diversity among microinvertebratecommunities. This study highlights the importance of Sphagnum moss as a low diversity extreme environment which supportshighly endemic species.