Temporal consistency and spatial variability in detection: implications for monitoring of macroinvertebrates from shallow groundwater aquifers

Abstract

Implementing and optimizing biodiversity monitoring is crucial given the current, worldwide biodiversity decline. Compared to other ecosystems, monitoring of biodiversity is lagging behind in groundwater ecosystems, both because of sparse taxonomic knowledge and methodological constraints. We here assessed temporal variation in the occurrence and abundance of macroinvertebrates collected systematically from shallow groundwater aquifers of Switzerland to establish general principles on seasonality and repeatability of assessment outcomes. We found no seasonal abundance pattern for obligate groundwater amphipods and isopods, indicating temporal consistency. In contrast, other macroinvertebrates (predominantly stygophiles and stygoxenes) showed pronounced seasonality in their detection rate. However, we found variability in detection rates across groundwater amphipod species and especially across sampling sites. For groundwater communities, characterized by narrowly-distributed and rare species, our results highlight the need for tailored and extensive sampling strategies. When setting up monitoring programs on groundwater fauna, detection probability, temporal autocorrelation, and standardization of sampling effort should be carefully considered. Applying novel, systematic approaches, can offer promising methodologies for understanding and conserving groundwater ecosystems.