Alpine ponds – sensitive indicators of environmental changes: macroinvertebrates and determinants of their multilevel diversity

The project focuses on a multidisciplinary analysis of macroinvertebrates from alpine ponds in the Tatra Mts. To achieve objectives of the project, study of 60 ponds is expected. These are an important and irreplaceable part of (sub)alpine ecosystems and may, in terms of effective nature protection, serve as an early warning systems and biotopes suitable for long-term monitoring. In this project various methods and approaches of data processing will be used, combination of which will provide a unique knowledge in respective field. Expected outcomes will provide a precise picture of macroinvertebrates structure of these vulnerable biotopes sensitive to environmental changes, allow detection of impact of various env. gradients, and prediction of changes in zoocoenoses depending on changes in the environment. Genetic structure of model species populations allow to identify centers of diversity, main factors affecting variability and indicates trends in dispersal of species in case of expected env. changes.