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

Abstract

Peat bogs are regarded as extreme environments due to their low pH and low nutrient concentration, and thus hold a unique biota adapted to these particular conditions. The island of Tierra del Fuego encompasses the southernmost extensive peat bog area in the world, and is therefore particularly interesting from a biogeographical viewpoint. Within the same peat bog, different environment types can be identified: clear ponds, vegetated ponds and Sphagnum patches. In this study we compare the abundance, richness and species diversity of microinvertebrates (Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera) in these three types of environments from two peat bogs (Andorra and Rancho Hambre). Out of the 29 taxa recorded, 19 were common to both peat bogs, including four cladocerans endemic to Southern Patagonia and three rotifers endemic to Fuegian peat bogs. The rotifers were the dominant group in all environment types from Rancho Hambre, while in Andorra the Sphagnum moss was dominated by copepods, particularly harpacticoids. The results revealed that the environment type rather than peat bog was the key factor at explaining differences in species richness and diversity among microinvertebrate communities. This study highlights the importance of Sphagnum moss as a low diversity extreme environment which supports highly endemic species.