Faunistic characterization of Alpine springs in the swiss National Park

Abstract

Springs are unique habitats for highly adapted organisms that are endangered by anthropogenic impacts. The springs in the Swiss National Park (SNP) have remained largely free of direct anthropogenic impacts since the foundation of the park. Monitoring of these unaffected Alpine springs is therefore of special interest. In this project 19 springs in the SNP and the adjacent Val Müstair Biosphere Reserve were investigated. In early summer and autumn 2012, the springs were mapped and physiochemical parameters were measured. The macroinvertebrates were sampled quantitatively with a surber sampler and qualitatively by hand-picking. Results show that Diptera, Trichoptera and Plecoptera are the most diverse orders. Within these orders, cold-stenothermal species with alpine altitudinal preferences and endemic species were found. They are partly endangered or at least vulnerable in Switzerland. The macroinvertebrate species assemblages of the springs show a high degree of individuality. However, looking at the species assemblages, springs at different sites or valleys differ significantly from each other. This underlines the importance of protected areas as sanctuaries for threatened species living in endangered habitats such as springs. Moreover, a protection of the springs outside of the SNP would be desirable.