Incorporation of aquatic ecology to the hydrological investigation of ecosystems in the high Andes

Abstract

Ecosystem services in high mountains support the life of millions of people dependent on the well functioning of these ecosystems. Collection and interpretation of hydrologic data in South Ecuador has a long record but almost no ecological investigation has been carried out in the various aquatic ecosystems. Combined, hydrologic and ecological research would provide an integrated picture on the functioning and importance of high mountain ecosystems which in future could be the base of new projects and policies on protection and conservation measures at local and regional scale. This article describes an ongoing research with general objective the characterization of the structure of various aquatic ecosystems based on the sampling of different trophic levels and analysis of the limnology. More specific objectives are: (1) definition of the conservation status of high mountain lagoons; (2) analyzing the effect of vegetation cover on aquatic community structure; (3) assessing the impact of hydrological connectivity on the faunal composition of different ecosystems; and (4) examining the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the status of aquatic communities. Project activities cover: detailed planning of sampling activities, implementation of sampling campaigns for the collection of needed samples and information, laboratory work, data analyses using various statistical methods and publishing results in extension and scientific manuscripts. The project will improve the knowledge of the ecosystem functioning of high mountain ecosystems in South Ecuador.