Describe the wetlands in Parque Aconcagua, Mendoza Province

MASI ,C.I.; SCAGLIOTTI,J.J.

Mendoza

Congreso; Reunión de Biología de Cuyo; 2010

Asociacion Biologia de Cuyo

High wetlands represent a precious habitat for different species, simply as a shelter or for their feeding. The Parque Provincial Aconcagua is one of the protected areas more visited in the province. The aim of this job is to describe the high wetlands of  Parque Provincial Aconcagua. The study was carried out in 15 high wetlands during the summer of 2009. Vegas were selected between 2400-3500 m.a.s.l.; the samples were collected with a hand strainer during 45 minutes and preserved in 96% alcohol. Molluscs and macroinvertebrates associated with the wetlands margins were sampled. Physical and chemical parameters of water were recorded and the environment was characterized. PH values ranged between 6.77 and 8.29; conductivity oscillated between 231 and 1664 uS/cm. Vegetation was dominated by Bromus setifolius, Oxychloe andina, Acaena magellanica, Mimulus depresus y Schoenoplectus pungens, among others. Macrophytas as Potamogeton sp. y Chara sp. were also recorded. Among the macroinvertebrates founded a high dominance of Hyalella sp. was observed, followed by Diptera larvae (Chironominae, Podonominae) and, in some places, a major abundance of Ephemeras, Trichoptera, Acaris and Choleptera larvae. The only mollusc recorded was Lymnea viator localized between 2536 and 2954 m.a.s.l., a species of sanitary interest.