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"EUROPONDS fresh project - ecological contribution of ponds to their landscapes"

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Abstract

Ponds, whilst being mostly neglected in management and protection plans, can constitute habitats with high α- and β-diversity, including many rare and endemic species. In heterogeneous landscapes, ponds can also contribute to habitat connectivity and enhance γ-diversity whilst delivering many ecosystem services. Semi-aquatic insects are one of the groups contributing most to aquatic faunal biomass in these ecosystems. Upon emerging from the water, they provide lipids and essential fatty acids to the adjacent terrestrial environments, and constitute an important nutritional subsidy for terrestrial and aerial consumers. Numerous studies have pointed out the relations between emerging aquatic insects and fitness benefits to terrestrial consumers. However, large-scale studies using common standardized methodology are needed to explore differences in dietary links from diverse pond types and different ecogeographical contexts. In this project we quantify the seasonal and geographical variation in insect emergence in 55 ponds across Europe. In our dataset we compile data from unprecedented geographical gradients, and we include both near-natural and artificial systems. The project brings together the knowledge of early-career limnologists from all over Europe and therefore not only provides important insight into the aquatic-terrestrial linkages of ponds, but also offers an important exchange among the future generation of European limnologists.

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