Functional Feeding Groups responses of temporary ponds macroinvertebrates in Natiokobadara dam lake area (North of Côte d'Ivoire)

Abstract

Temporary ponds are small, shallow bodies of water, rich in biodiversity, but most often neglected. The aim of this study was to investigate the Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs) responses of the macrofauna of three ponds in Natiokobadara dam lake. On each pond, a three month samplings of macroinvertebrates from January to March 2022 using a kick-net was carried out. Similarly, on each pond and during each campaign, measurements of environmental variables were carried out either in situ or in the laboratory. A total of 64 taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrates belonging to 33 families, 11 orders and 04 classes were recorded. Insects were the most diversified, accounting for 79.68% of the taxonomic richness. Five major FFGs were identified in this study: predators, scrapers, shredders, gatherers-collectors and filter-collectors, with predators dominating, followed by gatherers-collectors. The P/R ratio indicated that all three ponds were heterotrophic. The predator top-down ratio revealed an overabundance of predators. Only the riparian zones of pond P1 were functional. The Focused Principal Component Analysis found a correlation between low pH values and the abundance of predators and scrapers. There was also a correlation between high nitrate levels and gatherers-collectors abundance. The FFGs and aquatic macroinvertebrate attributes used to describe the state of these ponds revealed that they were highly disturbed.