Original paper
Size, permanence and the proportion of predators in ponds
Bilton, David T.; Foggo, Andrew; Rundle, Simon D.
Archiv für Hydrobiologie Volume 151 Number 3 (2001), p. 451 - 458
19 references
published: May 23, 2001
DOI: 10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/151/2001/451
ArtNo. ESP141015103012, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
The species richness and proportion of predatory species were investigated in ponds of differing area and permanence on the Lizard Peninsula, West Cornwall, UK, an area with a high density of seasonally fluctuating waterbodies, and a rich aquatic biota. A total of 169 taxa were identified through monthly sampling of 16 ponds. Permanence, rather than pond area, was strongly related to overall species richness and the proportion of predators found. These results contrast with other studies which have shown strong effects of area on such community parameters. We suggest that issues of scale, and differences in regional species pools account for these contrasting results, and should be considered when searching for common factors underlying community attributes.
Keywords
Species richness • species-area relationship • pond community • temporary ponds