Abstract
The qualitative and quantitative species composition of the communities of Gastropoda in ten representative meres in the North West Midlands, England, are described and shown to differ significantly. Environmental data on water chemistry, percentage organic matter in the substrata, mere area and altitude were estimated. The data matrix was examined by regression analysis. Conductivity shows significant positive correlations with calcium ( p < 0·001), magnesium ( p < 0·001), sodium ( p < 0·01) and sulphate ( p < 0·05) ions whilst there is a significant negative correlation with altitude ( p < 0·02). The total individuals mere −1 of Gastropoda show the most significant positive correlation with calcium ions ( p < 0·05) whilst species mere −1 (species diversity) are similarly correlated with calcium + area + percentage organic matter ( p < 0·02). These results are compared with data from 58 North West Midlands meres and 43 Lake District tarns and lakes. The relationships demonstrated are used to develop a procedural and predictive model which facilitates the choice of water bodies for conservation.
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