California vernal pool endemic responses to hydroperiod, plant thatch, and nutrients
2017
Many endemic large branchiopods inhabit ephemeral
freshwater ecosystems, including California
vernal pools. Hydroperiod, inundation length, has been well studied in these systems that cycle between aquatic and terrestrial phases, but species’ responses to other ecological processes are still poorly known. For example, temporal (plant thatch from the previous terrestrial phase) and spatial (nutrient runoff) factors may have strong effects on emergence and population densities during the aquatic phase. We examined the effects of hydroperiod stability, thatch, and nutrients on the emergence and density of 4
vernal poolendemic species:
Branchinecta lynchi(
Anostraca),
Linderiella occidentalis(
Anostraca),
Lepidurus packardi(
Notostraca), and Cyzicus californicus (Spinicaudata). A full factorial
mesocosmexperiment was conducted which measured species densities, along with water quality variables. Hydroperiod and thatch differentially affected 3 of the 4 species based on emergence timing and life cycle. Treatments had effects on many water quality variables, and these variables were correlated with densities. These results highlight how hydroperiod stability along with other processes can affect large branchiopod species in temporary
freshwater ecosystems. California
vernal poolsare a greatly reduced habitat rich in endemic and endangered species (including
Branchinecta lynchiand
Lepidurus packardi), and therefore, these results have implications for conservation and management.
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