The structure of zooplankton community in different biotopes of small rivers in the Kologrivsky cluster of the Natural State Reserve “Kologrivsky Forest”

Abstract

Structure of zooplankton community was studied in different biotopes of streams and beaver ponds in the Kologrivsky cluster of the State Nature Reserve “Kologrivsky Forest” named after M.G. Sinitsyn. Forty-five zooplankton species were recorded, namely, Cladocera (20), Rotifera (17), and Copepoda (8). Zooplankton was represented mostly by phytophilic ecological group (46–61% of the total number of species). Species composition of zooplankton, trophic group ratio, zooplankton abundance and biomass differed in the medium-small river, the smallest and most insignificant watercourses. In near-shore river area (ripal) and beaver ponds, overgrown by macrophytes, higher quantitative indicators of zooplankton were registered comparing to central area of the river. In addition, high zooplankton abundance and biomass were observed in permanent beaver ponds at streams.

Keywords

• ecological groups of zooplankton
• macrophytes
• kostroma oblast
• protected areas
• beaver ponds