High abundance of a single taxon (amphipods) predicts aquatic macrophyte biodiversity in prairie wetlands

Abstract Conservation programs often aim to protect the abundance of individual species and biodiversity simultaneously. We quantified relations between amphipod densities aquatic macrophyte (large plants algae) diversity test a hypothesis that can support high single taxonomic group. Amphipods ( Gammarus lacustris Hyalella azteca ) are key forage for waterfowl declining in Prairie Pothole Region North America. sampled large gradient (0–7050 amphipods/m 3 49 semi-permanent wetlands, 50% study wetlands had (> 500 ). Generalized linear models revealed G. H. increased exponentially with indices. Further, were greatest at moderate levels submersed vegetation biomass. Community analyses showed both positively associated diverse assemblages negatively coverage cattails Typha spp.), taxon creates monotypic stands, as well bladderwort Utricularia carnivorous plant. Our results indicate amphipods could be used an umbrella protecting communities permanent America’s Region.