Unraveling the role of top predators and macrophytes in mediterranean ponds: the ecological significance of rotifers

Dražina, Tvrtko; Purgar, Marija; Kuczyńska-Kippen, Natalia; Μichaloudi, Εvangelia; Stamou, Georgia; Kahriman, Kristina; Bilić, Žanet; Špoljar, Maria

doi:10.1007/s10750-024-05484-8

Hydrobiologia

2024

DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05484-8

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Unraveling the role of top predators and macrophytes in mediterranean ponds: the ecological significance of rotifers

Tvrtko Dražina,

Marija Purgar,

Natalia Kuczyńska-Kippen

et al.

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2024

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Cited by 2 publications

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Rotifers as indicators of trophic state in small water bodies with different catchments (field vs. forest)

Kuczyńska-Kippen,

Zhang,

Mleczek

et al. 2024

Hydrobiologia

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Current methods for assessing lake trophic status using zooplankton are well-established, but there is a lack of approaches for small, shallow water bodies. This study addresses the gap by analyzing rotifer communities across 100 ponds in different catchment areas (field and forest). We hypothesized that the Rotifer Trophic State Index (TSIROT) is an effective tool for assessing trophic state, yielding comparable results to the Carlson TSI index. We also proposed that variations in physical and chemical parameters would significantly affect rotifer composition, impacting the trophic state assessment. Field ponds, exposed to agricultural runoff, exhibited higher trophic states and a predominance of detritivorous species. In contrast, forest ponds, with extensive macrophyte coverage, maintained lower trophic states and supported diverse algivorous species, particularly of littoral and mesotrophic origin. This confirmed our hypothesis that catchment type strongly influences trophic state and rotifer communities. We demonstrated that rotifer traits—abundance, species diversity, habitat type preferences and proportions of eutrophic versus mesotrophic species—along with TSIROT, are effective in assessing water quality in ponds. Overall, the results validate TSIROT as a reliable tool for small water bodies, comparable to Carlson’s TSI index, and highlight the importance of catchment type in influencing water quality.

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Rotifers as indicators of trophic state in small water bodies with different catchments (field vs. forest)

Kuczyńska-Kippen,

Zhang,

Mleczek

et al. 2024

Hydrobiologia

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Ecological Dynamics and Conservation Strategies for Mediterranean Salt Marshes: Insights from a Pilot Study of Biodiversity and Environmental Drivers in the Palud Marsh, Croatia

Sertić Perić,

Dražina,

Žutinić

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Salt marshes support high biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet are increasingly threatened by climate change, reduced freshwater input, and human activities. This pilot study examined the physico-chemical characteristics and biodiversity of the Palud salt marsh in Istria, Croatia, during July 2021, focusing on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrozoobenthos communities across different habitats. The results show that while parameters like water temperature and pH remained stable, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels fluctuated significantly. Water depth decreased due to drought and tidal oscillations, affecting salinity and nutrient concentrations. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Bacillariophyta, with Cryptophyta, particularly Cryptomonas sp., having the highest abundance. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Rotifera, especially Brachionus plicatilis, while the macrozoobenthos communities were dominated by Ostracoda, with some variation in gastropod and chironomid abundance across sites. These findings indicate the dynamic nature of plankton and benthos communities in response to changing water levels in the Palud marsh. This study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve the ecological integrity of Mediterranean salt marshes. Sustainable management practices must account for water level fluctuations, the role of aquatic vegetation, and the resilience of these ecosystems, emphasizing their importance in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services in the face of environmental change.

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Unraveling the role of top predators and macrophytes in mediterranean ponds: the ecological significance of rotifers

Cited by 2 publications

References 56 publications

Rotifers as indicators of trophic state in small water bodies with different catchments (field vs. forest)

Rotifers as indicators of trophic state in small water bodies with different catchments (field vs. forest)

Ecological Dynamics and Conservation Strategies for Mediterranean Salt Marshes: Insights from a Pilot Study of Biodiversity and Environmental Drivers in the Palud Marsh, Croatia

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