Zooplankton of raised bogs hollows in the central part of the Vologda Region

Abstract

This article presents the study of zooplankton of raised bog hollows in the central part of the Vologda Region. In total, 36 species (14 — Rotatoria, 13 — Cladocera, 9 — Copepoda, listed in the article) were found in the Shichengskoe mire. The most taxa were registered in spring. Detritus consumers, second-order filterers, and predators predominated. Characteristic features of studied communities were as follows: domination of Rotatoria and Copepoda, mainly small-sized, and constant presence of meiobenthos. In autumn, total biomass increased due to auspicious thermal conditions. Mean values of zooplankton biomass and composition of the domination complex were stable during three years of study. Changes in zooplankton density were determined by interannual fluctuations of mire water level. Zooplankton communities of raised bog hollows of south and middle taiga vary in species composition and quantitative parameters, but are similar in ecological groups and seasonal dynamics. Refs 31. Figs 3. Tables 2.