engleski

Fast response of microfaunal assemblages to restoration measures in the Western Balkan peat bog

Peat bogs are unique wetland ecosystems providing a wealth of heterogeneous habitats for aquatic and terrestrial biota. Due to exploitation, degradation and progressive succession, they are highly endangered ecosystems worldwide, thus making peat bog restoration a priority issue. The aim of this study was to test the early response of microfauna on restoration measures – cutting and mowing, in the Đon močvar peat bog, Croatia. Sphagnum cores were sampled within three main habitat types: restored, successional and control, monthly from April to November 2015. Protozoa and micro-metazoa were determined on live material. Control sites had significantly highest water content, followed by restored and successional sites, and that pattern reflected strongly on microfauna. Out of 70 taxa of protozoa (excluding testacean fauna) and micro-metazoa, the highest diversity was found at control sites (62 taxa, 125 ind./mL on average), followed by restored sites (50 taxa, 125 ind./mL on average) and successional sites (46 taxa, 81 ind./mL on average). Ciliates dominated in microfaunal assemblages at control sites with high abundance of mixotrophic species, characteristic for peat bog microfauna. Rotifers had the greatest share in abundance at restored sites. Convergence between microfauna at control and restored sites increased over time, while microfauna on successional sites became more diverged from those on control sites. Our results indicated fast recovery of peat bog microfauna after revitalisation measures. Therefore, we suggest that microfauna can be used as an early ecological indicator in peat bog restorations, with advantages of easy non-destructive sampling, quick response and high sensitivity.

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