Invertebrate communities in permanent and temporary high mountain lakes (Tatra Mts)

Abstract

Water chemistry and macroinvertebrates of four high mountain lakes (alt. 1657-1784 m) were investigated. The lakes are ultraoligotrophic with naturally slightly acidic water. In three lakes these water level changed substantially during the year while in one it remained constant. Moreover, trophic stares was higher in one than in the other three. Oligochaeta and Chironomidae dominated the invertebrate fauna of all lakes. Benthic faunal composition depended mainly on ecological factors such as substrate, trophic stares, and hydroperiod. It appears that anthropogenic acidification has so far not affected faunal composition.