Zooplankton and Dead Zooplankton in Kharbeyskie Lakes of Bolshezemelskaya Tundra (Period From 2009 to 2012)

Abstract

Zooplankton composition and structure in Kharbeyskie Lakes system of Bolshezemelskaya tundra were investigated in July, August of 2009, 2010 and 2012. In total, 87 species and forms were found and more than half of them belonged to rotifers (Rotifera). Plankton fauna of the studied lakes was typical for southern tundra and presented by azonal taxa. Composition and abundance of zooplankton of Bolshoy Kharbey Lake and adjacent lakes were different and correspond to trophic conditions in ecosystems. Inter-annual dynamics of plankton communities in the lakes was determined by weather conditions. In Bolshoy Kharbey Lake four euplanktonic species of rotifers and crustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) dominated in terms of abundance and nine species dominated in terms of biomass. Inter-annual changes in dominant species composition were insignificant. In Bolshoy Kharbey Lake the number of dominant species were more than in the adjacent lakes. Differences in the abundance of zooplankton between littoral and prophundal zones of the main lake were not significant. Spatial distribution of species was determined by the morphology of the lakes. Depression of plankton copepods in the main and adjacent Kharbeyskie Lakes was observed in 2012 and proportion of dead individuals in crustacean communities was high. Probably it was related with mass infection of dominant species Heterocope appendiculata (Copepoda) by microparasites

Keywords

• water ecosystems of the tundra
• planktonic fauna
• dominated complexes of zooplankton
• spatial distribution