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

PATRICIA E. GARCÍA; R. DANIEL GARCÍA; M. CRISTINA MARINONE; VALERIA CASA; GABRIELA GONZÁLEZ GARRAZA; GABRIELA MATALONI

LIMNOLOGY

SPRINGER TOKYO

Lugar: Tokyo; Año: 2017 vol. 18 p. 85 - 96

1439-8621

Peat bogs are regarded as extreme environmentsdue to their low pH and low nutrient concentration, andthus hold a unique biota adapted to these particular con-ditions. The island of Tierra del Fuego encompasses thesouthernmost extensive peat bog area in the world, and istherefore particularly interesting from a biogeographicalviewpoint. Within the same peat bog, different environ-ment types can be identified: clear ponds, vegetated pondsandSphagnumpatches. In this study we compare theabundance, richness and species diversity of microinver-tebrates (Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera) in these threetypes of environments from two peat bogs (Andorra andRancho Hambre). Out of the 29 taxa recorded, 19 werecommon to both peat bogs, including four cladoceransendemic to Southern Patagonia and three rotifers endemicto Fuegian peat bogs. The rotifers were the dominant groupin all environment types from Rancho Hambre, while inAndorra theSphagnummoss was dominated by copepods,particularly harpacticoids. The results revealed that theenvironment type rather than peat bog was the key factor atexplaining differences in species richness and diversityamong microinvertebrate communities. This study high-lights the importance ofSphagnummoss as a low diversityextreme environment which supports highly endemicspecies