Seasonal variations in the physical and chemical characteristics of ponds: implications for biodiversity conservation

摘要: 1. The natural evolution of ponds leads to the filling up these small ecosystems, and human intervention may sometimes be necessary ensure their continued nature conservation interest. 2. In arid karstic region ‘Causses du Quercy’ (France), there are numerous bored into parts calcareous rock where water cannot percolate. Without management they destined disappear, although constitute only available surface resource on this limestone plateau. 3. Little information is about physical chemical changes occurring as go through different successional stages. A comparative study three at various stages succession allowed an analysis made seasonal in a number abiotic variables. 4. There was evidence that temporal spatial variability factors (such temperature, level dissolved oxygen concentrations) increased progressed stages. 5. This indicated varied terms plant animal species richness rarity, concentration Each pond supported distinctive fauna. The results suggest biotic diversity is, part, driven by local-scale heterogeneity. Management plans should drawn scale maintains heterogeneity such networks. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.