A preliminary appraisal of phylogenetic patterns as a tool for long-term monitoring of plant communities in temporary freshwater rockpools

Abstract

We propose the use of phylogenetic patterns as a tool for monitoring long-term change in plant community structure in small temporary pools, as an alternative to the compilation of species lists across years. This was tested using forty temporary pools from four pool landscapes in Malta. These were followed between November 2014 and April 2015. Each pool was sectored into 'Aquatic', 'Ecotone' and 'Terrestrial zones' and the species present in each zone were recorded. All species data from a landscape were collated by zone, and the net relatedness index (NRI) for the species assemblages in each zone calculated using PHYLOCOM software. The NRI was positive in the 'Terrestrial' zones, and negative in the 'Aquatic' zones. The 'Ecotone' zones followed no discernible pattern. The results suggest that calculating the NRI of plant assemblages in different hydrological zones, and using these phylogenetic 'signatures' as a comparative baseline, would be a feasible addition to long-term monitoring programmes for the early detection of long-term environmental changes such as those arising from climatic changes.

Mediterranean Temporary Ponds: new challenges from a neglected habitat

“…Lumbreras et al (2016) proposed a new tool to assess the conservation status of MTP based on 18 indicator species (including plants, large branchiopods and amphibians). A second proposal of a tool for monitoring long-term changes in plant community structure in Malta rock pools using phylogenetic patterns was done by Lanfranco et al (2016). They proposed the calculus of some relatedness parameters for the early detection of long-term environmental changes.…”

Quantification of the size and distribution of the only known population of Crepis pusilla (Sommier) Merxm. (Asteraceae, Cichorieae) in Malta

“…Conversely, Bergmeier (2001) reports the species as being characteristic of shallow seasonal rockpools in Gavdos, Greece, where it is part of the Tillaea alata-Crepis pusilla community. Similar pools in Malta have been wellstudied since 1988 (Lanfranco and Cuschieri, 2018) and although some of its companion species in the Gavdos pools (such as Lythrum hyssopifolia and Juncus hybridus) have been regularly noted from pools in Malta, Crepis pusilla itself has not.…”