Naslov
Freshwater gastropod assemblages in Mediterranean intermittent rivers: the influence of physico-chemical water properties

Autori
Rebrina, Fran ; Lajtner, Jasna ; Vilenica, Marina ; Ružanović, Lea ; Rumišek, Mario ; Matoničkin Kepčija, Renata ; Brigić, Andreja

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
4th Symposium on Freshwater Biology, Book of Abstracts / - , 2023, 32-32

Skup
4th Symposium on Freshwater Biology with the international participation

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 21.04.2023

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
taxonomic metrics ; abiotic factors ; lotic phase ; macrozoobenthos ; Gastropoda

Sažetak
Gastropods are a key component of freshwater macrozoobenthos, inhabiting a wide array of both perennial and intermittent water bodies. Despite a growing interest in intermittent river ecology, very few studies have focused on gastropod assemblages and their ecological preferences in this dominant type of lotic habitats in the Mediterranean. Encompassing four karstic intermittent rivers of Croatia, this study aims: 1) to compare taxonomic assemblage metrics of freshwater gastropods among the rivers and 2) to assess the relationships between abiotic factors and gastropod assemblage composition (using pooled data). Gastropod sampling was performed in April 2021 during the lotic phase, using a standard Surber sampler. Simultaneously, physico-chemical water properties were measured at each location, and water samples were taken for chemical analysis. Six gastropod taxa were recorded in total. Statistically significant differences in gastropod assemblage metrics were found between two rivers, Miljašić Jaruga and Krčić, whereas the other two (Čikola and Guduča) harboured intermediate values. Abundance and species richness peaked in Miljašić Jaruga, showing positive correlations with water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and conductivity. Higher values of these factors are likely related to dense macrophyte vegetation and the prevalence of fine sediments, possibly enabling gastropods to survive the dry period. In contrast, assemblage metrics and dominant species exhibited a negative correlation with water velocity, suggesting a preference for microhabitats with lower water current. Our results show that Mediterranean intermittent rivers can provide suitable habitats for freshwater gastropods during the lotic phase, with assemblage composition strongly influenced by physico-chemical water properties.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

POVEZANOST RADA