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Elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) footprints as habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in Kibale National Park, south‐west Uganda
Author(s) -
Remmers Wolfram,
Gameiro João,
Schaberl Isabella,
Clausnitzer Viola
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/aje.12358
Subject(s) - ecology , habitat , geography , national park , species richness , abiotic component , biological dispersal , fauna , biology , population , demography , sociology
This is the first study where elephant footprints as habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrate communities were assessed. Preliminary observations during the dry season in Kibale Forest, Uganda, indicated that water‐filled footprints constituted the majority of stagnant ponds. Consequently, this study aimed at giving an overview of the diversity and ecology of those habitats and the capacity of elephants as ecosystem engineers. The fauna and abiotic factors (age, size, substrate, organic matter, pH , canopy cover, temperature, conductivity) of 30 water‐filled natural elephant footprints were sampled, resulting in the record of 61 morphospecies among 27 families/orders. Species composition was dominated by Hydrophilidae and Dytiscidae and influenced by environmental variables, such as age and organic matter. To study the colonization process, 18 artificial footprints were created within different distances from the water source. After 5 days, 410 specimens were collected, with higher species richness in artificial footprints closer to a natural water source. We conclude that colonization of water‐filled footprints is fast, they constitute important habitats with high diversity and variability, and they act as stepping stones for dispersal and add to the ability of elephants as ecosystem engineers. We emphasize the importance of elephants as a key species in ecosystem dynamics and conservation practice.