Abstract
The current study adds 23 new records to the previously described monogonot rotifers of Cozumel, increasing the number of reported species to 40; these species are grouped into two orders, 11 families and 18 genera. Littoral and limnetic samples from 17 aquatic systems were examined, including wet dolines, coastal lagoons, temporary pools and artificial systems (reservoirs). Of the 36 species found, the following organisms represent new findings for Cozumel: Anuraeopsis fissa, Brachionus angularis, B. rubens, B. plicatilis sensu lato, Beuchampiella eudactylota, Euchlanis dilatata, Mytilina bisulcata, Colurella adriatica, Lepadella ovalis, L. rhomboides, Squatinella mutica, Lecane aculeata, L. climacois, L. crepida, L. cornuta, L. grandis, L. obtusa, L. pyriformis, Cephalodella forficula, Scaridium bostjani, Trichocerca pusilla, Polyarthra cf. dolichoptera, P. vulgaris, Dicranophorus epicharis and Testudinella patina. Additional information is reported for these species.
Highlights
Islands contain ecosystems of critical importance for biodiversity conservation since a large number of endemic species are distributed in these environments
Four organisms were recorded in Cozumel and the state of Quintana Roo for the first time: Beauchampiella eudactylota, Mytilina bisulcata, Squatinella mutica and Dicranophorus epicharis
In Mexico, 57 rotifer species have been reported (CervantesMartínez et al 2012) and 46 of these species have been recorded in the south-western region of the country: Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Chiapas and Campeche (Quiroz-Vázquez 2012)
Summary
Islands contain ecosystems of critical importance for biodiversity conservation since a large number of endemic species are distributed in these environments. Islands are important sites for the reproductive, nesting, resting and feeding activities of numerous species, including migratory species (Salazar-Vallejo and González 1993). Despite their great importance, current knowledge about the biodiversity of Mexican islands is limited (Lara-Lara et al 2008). The groups that are studied mostly include birds, algae, fish, reptiles and angiosperms. Microorganism groups, such as zooplankton and, in particular, rotifers, are not included in these lists even though efforts to understand and increase knowledge about rotifers have intensified in the past two decades. One inventory of approximately 300 specific rotifer forms (mainly found in fresh water) was created by Elías-Gutiérrez and García-Morales (2011)
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