Can macrophytes be a surrogate for amphibians and physico-chemical features in pond classifications?

摘要: Abstract Our primary goal was to test how consistently macrophytes, physico-chemical features and amphibians classify pond sites, by applying a measure of classification strength based on set cross-tests performed with randomisation protocols. Finally, we used ordination methods identify the major environmental factors correlated each biotic group. Significant results concordance higher values relative were obtained at two (or more) cut levels, when plant characteristics. also level amphibian features. The analyses revealed that plants affected same features, mainly conductivity, size depth. Ponds high conductivity dominated tall emergent genus Typha preferential sites for Bufo bufo . Smaller shallow ponds small seemed instead favour Rana dalmatina Deep low mostly occupied floating submerged plants, such as Potamogeton natans Chara hispida , hosted newts ( Triturus carnifex T. vulgaris ), probably because latter depend well structured vegetation egg deposition. These suggest ecosystems have “two levels influence”, are “middle level” between assemblages, since they directly influenced former influence latter. It is virtue this intermediate position assemblages can be surrogate predicting presence species conservation interest, in order preserve their habitat through preliminary cost-effective assessments. Given ongoing threats ponds, these findings important protection, better understanding ecological preferences various useful planning management strategies.