Habitat Size And Anthropic Threatens: The Role Of Conservation Areas On Macroinvertebrates From Tank Bromeliads

Tank bromeliads may act enhancing local biodiversity providing an important habitat for varied species. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a conservation unit and anthropic threatens on the macroinvertebrate communities associated with Aechmea distichantha (Bromeliaceae) as a model to access local ecosystems studies. The survey was conducted in the Vila Velha State Park, without severe anthropic influences and at Vila Velha Farm with the presence of Pinus spp. (an exotic/invasive species), crop plantations and a road (Ponta Grossa, Parana, Brazil). The living organisms and bromeliad parameters were evaluated from 20 bromeliads. Total abundance was higher at anthropized area and driven by the larger size of those bromeliads. Species richness also tended to be higher at the anthropized area, although the conservation unit presented higher values when rare species were excluded. The results pointed out that bromeliads from conservation unit were under minor anthropic influences, being the presence of pines considered the main disturb in the anthropized site, which may have influenced the quality and amount of detritus resulting in distinct species composition and dominance of more tolerant taxa (Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae). So, bromeliad mesocosm may be well suited for surveys considering anthropic influences on local ecosystems.