Multivariate Analysis of Rotifers Community from Safari Zoo Lake Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Rotifers are zooplanktons that react more sharply to the environmental changes.
 Objective:To better understand the community composition of rotifers in Safari Zoo Lake, Lahore, PakistanMethods:We collected 16 water samples on monthly basis, dividing lake into four major sites: northern,southern, eastern, and western sites. Each of these was further subdivided into four locations, for a totalof 16 sampling sites. A total 23 rotifer species were recorded from the lake with Brachionus calyciorushaving maximum abundance. A species abundance curve was plotted between months and number ofspecies of rotifers indicating their lowest and highest abundance through the study period.Results:A Cluster Analysis yielded three main groups of closely related species including species likeBrachionus quadridentatus, Synchaeta stylata and Brachionus calyciorus etc. We used a PrincipalComponent Analysis (I and II) to study variation in the rotifer community on a seasonal basis and amongsampling sites. A biplot of Principal Component Analysis (PCA I) reected the relationship of rotifers withthe months. Some of the species showed a positive positive relationship, while others showed negativeone. PCA II was plotted between months and physico-chemical parameters showing their negative andpositive relations.Conclusion:We conclude that a lesser replacement of fresh water, increased density of waterfowl, reptilia andsolid waste left over during boating has resulted in eutrophication of lake leading to overall low diversity ofrotifers observed.