Habitat Preferences Of Species Research Articles

Timing and magnitude of climate-driven range shifts in transboundary fish stocks challenge their management.

Climate change is shifting the distribution of shared fish stocks between neighboring countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the high seas. The timescale of these transboundary shifts determines how climate change will affect international fisheries governance. Here, we explore this timescale by coupling a large ensemble simulation of an Earth system model under a high emission climate change scenario to a dynamic population model. We show that by 2030, 23% of transboundary stocks will have shifted and 78% of the world's EEZs will have experienced at least one shifting stock. By the end of this century, projections show a total of 45% of stocks shifting globally and 81% of EEZs waters with at least one shifting stock. The magnitude of such shifts is reflected in changes in catch proportion between EEZs sharing a transboundary stock. By 2030, global EEZs are projected to experience an average change of 59% in catch proportion of transboundary stocks. Many countries that are highly dependent on fisheries for livelihood and food security emerge as hotspots for transboundary shifts. These hotspots are characterized by early shifts in the distribution of an important number of transboundary stocks. Existing international fisheries agreements need to be assessed for their capacity to address the social–ecological implications of climate‐change‐driven transboundary shifts. Some of these agreements will need to be adjusted to limit potential conflict between the parties of interest. Meanwhile, new agreements will need to be anticipatory and consider these concerns and their associated uncertainties to be resilient to global change.

Study of Forage Quality of Grasslands on the Southern Margin of the Pannonian Basin

Since grasslands provide many ecosystem services, there are often different opinions on their management (e.g., agronomy, ecology, botany). Multidisciplinary research on this topic is therefore needed. This article focuses on the impact of ecological conditions, functional groups, ecological strategies, floristic composition (through habitat preference of species), major floristic gradients (presented as first two NMDS axes), and the management on forage quality. We estimated the forage quality using indicator values. All of the available vegetation plots in the region on wet and mesic meadows, managed pastures, and tall-herb meadow/pasture fringes on deeper or shallower soils (i.e., grasslands) were collected, organized in a database, and elaborated according to standard procedure. We used a widely accepted grassland classification system that uses floristic composition to define grassland types. Based on an NMDS ordination diagram and according to functional groups, ecological strategies, and habitat preferences (behavior of species) and management, we defined three major groups: mesic meadows (mowed), wet meadows (mowed), and pastures (grazed). We correlated all groups’ functional groups, ecological strategies, habitat preferences (behavior of species), major floristic gradients, management, and forage quality. We found that forage quality mainly depends on moisture conditions and that nutrients and grazing are less important. Within the grasslands under consideration, mesic meadows and mesic pastures have the highest forage quality.

Modelling the habitat preference of two key <i>Sphagnum</i> species in a poor fen as controlled by capitulum water content

Abstract. Current peatland models generally treat vegetation as static, although plant community structure is known to alter as a response to environmental change. Because the vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning are tightly linked, realistic projections of peatland response to climate change require the inclusion of vegetation dynamics in ecosystem models. In peatlands, Sphagnum mosses are key engineers. Moss community composition primarily follows habitat moisture conditions. The known species habitat preference along the prevailing moisture gradient might not directly serve as a reliable predictor for future species compositions, as water table fluctuation is likely to increase. Hence, modelling the mechanisms that control the habitat preference of Sphagna is a good first step for modelling community dynamics in peatlands. In this study, we developed the Peatland Moss Simulator (PMS), which simulates the community dynamics of the peatland moss layer. PMS is a process-based model that employs a stochastic, individual-based approach for simulating competition within the peatland moss layer based on species differences in functional traits. At the shoot-level, growth and competition were driven by net photosynthesis, which was regulated by hydrological processes via the capitulum water content. The model was tested by predicting the habitat preferences of Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum fallax – two key species representing dry (hummock) and wet (lawn) habitats in a poor fen peatland (Lakkasuo, Finland). PMS successfully captured the habitat preferences of the two Sphagnum species based on observed variations in trait properties. Our model simulation further showed that the validity of PMS depended on the interspecific differences in the capitulum water content being correctly specified. Neglecting the water content differences led to the failure of PMS to predict the habitat preferences of the species in stochastic simulations. Our work highlights the importance of the capitulum water content with respect to the dynamics and carbon functioning of Sphagnum communities in peatland ecosystems. Thus, studies of peatland responses to changing environmental conditions need to include capitulum water processes as a control on moss community dynamics. Our PMS model could be used as an elemental design for the future development of dynamic vegetation models for peatland ecosystems.

Antarctic sea anemone distribution, abundance and relationships with habitat composition, community structure and anthropogenic disturbance

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution, abundance and habitat preferences of species in the Southern Ocean provides a foundation for assessing the impacts of environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance on Antarctic ecosystems. In near-shore waters at Casey and Davis Stations, photoquadrat surveys were used to determine sea anemone distribution and abundance, habitat preferences, associations with other species and the impact of human disturbance on sea anemone distribution. Two distinct sea anemone morphotypes were found in this study: large sea anemones that require hard substrate for attachment and small, burrowing sea anemones found in muddy sediment. The large sea anemones were found in rocky habitats, with the exception of some sedimentary habitats where other biota were used as substrate. The large sea anemones were associated with a diverse community of epibenthic species found in rocky habitats. The burrowing sea anemones were associated with a less diverse assemblage of sediment-dwelling epibenthos. At Casey Station, sea anemones were more abundant in habitats adjacent to a former waste disposal site than at control sites. The reason for this is not yet known, but may be due to high organic matter inputs or, alternatively, a longer sea ice duration providing protection from ice scour.

Neofityzacja łęgów jesionowo-wiązowych w dolinach polskich rzek = Neophyte-induced degradation of Poland’s riparian hardwood forests

Riparian hardwood forests have become very rare in most areas across Europe, as their fertile habitats have mostly been transformed into grasslands and arable land. Furthermore, where small patches remain, these are seen to be subject to major changes in soil cover and plant composition, thanks to habitat change induced by drainage, river engineering, the construction of river embankments and forestry. A further, highly visible symptom of the degradation of riparian hardwood forest is invasion by alien species (neophytes). This article therefore draws on work to analyze Poland’s vegetation of riparian hardwood forest, by reference to some 249 phytosociological relevés from 83 sites located along river valleys (Fig. 1). The work came within Natura 2000 habitat monitoring, and specifically a research project entitled Riparian hardwood forest services in the middle Vistula river valley. The main objectives here were to point to any relationships that might pertain between the share of invasive alien species and the structure and composition of riparian hardwood forest vegetation, as well as to determine the former’s habitat requirements. The studied communities were divided into two groups: ZI – with the presence of invasive alien species, and ZN – natural communities lacking such species (as listed by Tokarska-Guzik et al., 2012). Relationships between the share of invasive species and the structure and composition of native vegetation were tested by comparing species richness (number of species: S – general, SA – trees, SB – shrubs, SC – herbs, SD – bryophytes), species diversity (H – the Shannon diversity index (Shannon and Weaver, 1949), J – the Pielou evenness index (Pielou, 1975)), habitat preferences of species by reference to Ellenberg ecological indicators (Ellenberg et al., 1992) and socio-ecological affinity (after Schmidt et al., 2011). Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between the numbers of invasive alien species and the cover-shares they accounted for on the one hand, and the values of all studied parameters on the other. Mean values were compared across the ZI and ZN groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Statistical analyses were performed using PAST 2.17 (Hammer et al., 2001). Invasive alien species were recorded on ca. 70% of the plots studied. Small balsam was species among the 15 observed most frequently and achieving greatest abundance (Table 1, Fig. 2). Lower general richness of species in the communities where invasive alien species are present results mainly from decline in numbers of hygrophilous and shade-tolerant forest species, as well as shrubs and bryophytes (Table 2). This may be related to changes in habitat conditions that diminish competition from the existing composition of the phytocoenosis. The undergrowth of communities featuring invasive species is composed of species preferring habitats with higher light availability, with a higher soil pH and a richer trophic status, but there are few species of more moist habitats. The broad habitat range characteristic for small balsam (as regards light and soil pH) combine with its preference for drier mesophilous sites and a marked capacity to disperse providing for the expansion of the species, which in fact comes to dominate in disturbed forest communities. On a more-positive note, the analysis shows how the degradation of riparian hardwood forests could be limited, if only their natural habitat conditions can be assured.

Ornithological importance of artificial ponds: a case study at Kabaklı Pond, south-eastern Anatolia, Turkey

The birds of Kabakli Pond and its near surrounding were surveyed between October 2014 and December 2015 periods. During the study period, 105 bird species that belong to 12 orders and 34 families were detected and represented. Among these species determined, 17 of them certainly, 19 probably and 11 possibly breed in the area, while 58 of them are wintering or transitory migrating birds for the area. Among the recorded species, seven are globally threatened, while 20 are threatened for Turkey without least concern species. Obtained information suggests that this small artificial area has a great importance for many bird species related to habitat that have. Habitat preferences of species were analysed, and it was determined that the most preferred habitats are pond (water surface), wooded and agricultural zones, respectively. Also, the maximum bird number obtained during April and December, while maximum bird species richness observed during April. Results suggest that artificial ponds can be important for birds as feeding, resting and breeding area due to rapidly decline in natural wetland areas. Effective protection of the area requires the prevention of illegal hunting, fishing, human disturbance and pasturing. Also, in order to extend the existing reed and meadow areas, convenient plantation of natural plants at around of pond has a critic role for waterfowl.

Species Diversity and Habitat Preferences of Aculeata (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Urban and Suburban Gardens in Brno-City (Czech Republic)

I conducted a survey of aculeate Hymenoptera in urban and suburban gardens of Brno-city in August 2015. For my survey, I selected three individual gardens, and in each of them chose three type of microhabitats: tree, grass and patch. I used yellow pan traps for taxon sampling. Using this method, I recorded 382 specimens belonging to 76 species. Subsequently, the basic indices of species diversity in individual gardens were calculated, and statistical analyses of individual gardens and various microhabitats were created. I report large differences between the Aculeata taxa found in urban and suburban gardens. Habitat preferences of species between microhabitats were discovered as well. Furthermore, I report 14 species mentioned in the Red List of threatened species of the Czech Republic (Straka 2005a,b) (hereinafter referred to as Red List); as well as one invasive species Isodontia mexicana (Saussure, 1867) and one species Pison atrum Spinola, 1808 recently reported as new for the Czech Republic (reported after the publication of the Red List itself).

Stomatal traits relate to habitat preferences of herbaceous species in a temperate climate

Stomata enable plants to balance uptake of CO2 with water loss via transpiration. Previous studies have shown that stomatal size and density trade-off with one another and are related to a suite of environmental factors (light, atmospheric CO2 concentrations, moisture and temperature) which influence gas exchange. We examined the hypothesis that the habitat preferences of species are reflected in stomatal traits. Thus, we examined the relation of stomatal size and density of 36 herbaceous species along elevational gradients in relation to Ellenberg indicator values for light and moisture. The light value is a proxy for the transpiration demand due to exposure to radiation and air mass exchange, the moisture value reflects water supply. Additionally we measured carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C), a proxy for intrinsic water use efficiency and internal CO2 concentration. Stomatal size changed in parallel on both sides of a leaf, whereas changes in density differed between sides depending on species identity. There was an increase in absolute variation of sizes and densities with increasing mean size and density respectively, but not in relative variation. Species with few but large stomata tended to adjust stomatal size across environmental gradients, whereas species with small but many stomata mainly adjusted stomatal density. A higher Ellenberg indicator value for light and a lower value for moisture was associated with equal distribution of stomata between leaf sides. The carbon isotope discrimination data indicated that amphistomatic species, which illustrated a preference for high radiation and high air mass exchange as well as for dry habitats, had higher water use efficiency. We conclude that stomatal traits such as size, density or the distribution between the two sides of the leaf are indicators of how species optimize carbon uptake and balance water loss and radiation gain.

The relationship between landscape configuration and plant species richness in forests is dependent on habitat preferences of species

To assess the effects of landscape configuration on local plant species richness, we tested whether local species richness of forest understory plants is affected by the total forest area and forest edge length in the adjacent landscape. We also tested whether the landscape effect on species richness is different for forest and edge species. We estimated species richness from 113 forest sites in four regions in Northern Europe. At each site, we studied two plots, one at the edge and one in the core of the forest. Total forested area and forest edge length in circles with a 1-km radius, together with plot-specific variables of environmental conditions and temporal continuity of forests, were recorded at each plot. The amount of forest and the length of the forest edge in the adjacent landscape had a significant positive effect on local species richness of all understory plant species. As expected, edge species were positively affected by increasing length of the forest edge in the landscape, but surprisingly there was no effect of forest area on species richness of forest species. Temporal forest continuity had a negative effect on species richness of edge species but no effect on species richness of forest species. Our results suggest that forest edge length had a stronger landscape effect on understory plant species richness than forest area. Implications of these findings for the management of forest landscapes depend on priorities given to different species groups in biodiversity conservation, i.e. if emphasis is in total species richness or species richness of forest or edge species.

The Effects of Habitat Type and Volcanic Eruptions on the Breeding Demography of Icelandic Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus.

Distinct preference of species for habitats is most often driven by long term differences in demographic rates between habitats. Estimating variation in those rates is key for developing successful conservation strategies. Stochastic events can interact with underlying variation in habitat quality in regulating demography but the opportunities to explore such interactions are rare. Whimbrels in Iceland show a strong preference for sparsely vegetated riverplains. Such habitats in Iceland face various threats, e.g., climate change, river regulation and spread of alien plant species. In this study we compared demographic parameters of breeding Whimbrels between riverplains and other habitats before, during and after volcanic eruption events to estimate the importance of the habitats for the species and the effect of ash deposit on breeding success. We found that an estimated minimum of 23% of the Icelandic population of Whimbrels and c. 10% of the world population of the species breed in riverplain habitats in Iceland. Whimbrels bred consistently at much higher densities in riverplain habitats than in other habitats and riverplains also had higher densities of pairs with fledglings although the proportion of successful breeders was similar between habitats. Predation by livestock may have had a considerable negative effect on breeding success on our study sites. Breeding was negatively affected by the volcanic activity, probably through the effects of ash on the invertebrate food supply, with breeding success being gradually worse closer to the eruption. Breeding success was equally affected by volcanism across habitats which differed in underlying habitat quality. This study gives an example of how populations can be regulated by factors which operate at different spatial scales, such as local variation in habitat quality and stochastic events which impact larger areas.

Identifying the driving factors behind observed elevational range shifts onEuropean mountains

AbstractAimIn recent decades species ranges have shifted upwards in elevation and northwards in latitude. These shifts are commonly interpreted as a response to recent climate warming. However, several alternative hypotheses have been proposed to explain the elevational shifts, including increased deposition of atmospheric nitrogen, changes in precipitation and dispersal limitation. We evaluate these hypotheses and attempt to identify the dominant drivers for the observed shifts in the upper range limits of alpine plant species.LocationEuropean mountains fromSvalbard to the southernAlps.MethodsWe assembled data on observed shifts in the upper range limit of alpine plants over 40 to 100 years on 114 mountains. We related the observed shifts to recent changes in temperature and precipitation and to recent deposition of atmospheric nitrogen. Changes in traits and habitat preferences of species in the summit assemblages were used to evaluate the potential role of different drivers.ResultsSeventy per cent of the species that showed a detectable change in their upper range limits between surveys shifted their range limits upwards. The same species tend to move up on different mountains. There are, however, large differences between mountains in the proportion of species shifting upwards. This proportion is not found to be statistically related to local changes in temperature. Correspondingly, warmth‐demanding species did not move upward more frequently than expected by chance. Snow‐bed species have become more common on summits.Main conclusionsOur data do not support the idea that climate warming is the dominant factor causing the observed range shifts of alpine plant species on European mountains: first, the amount of change in species assemblages on the summits studied is not related statistically to the amount of climate warming; second, those species that have moved upwards are not particularly warmth demanding.

Positive Relationships between Association Strength and Phenotypic Similarity Characterize the Assembly of Mixed-Species Bird Flocks Worldwide

Competition theory predicts that local communities should consist of species that are more dissimilar than expected by chance. We find a strikingly different pattern in a multicontinent data set (55 presence-absence matrices from 24 locations) on the composition of mixed-species bird flocks, which are important subunits of local bird communities the world over. By using null models and randomization tests followed by meta-analysis, we find the association strengths of species in flocks to be strongly related to similarity in body size and foraging behavior and higher for congeneric compared with noncongeneric species pairs. Given the local spatial scales of our individual analyses, differences in the habitat preferences of species are unlikely to have caused these association patterns; the patterns observed are most likely the outcome of species interactions. Extending group-living and social-information-use theory to a heterospecific context, we discuss potential behavioral mechanisms that lead to positive interactions among similar species in flocks, as well as ways in which competition costs are reduced. Our findings highlight the need to consider positive interactions along with competition when seeking to explain community assembly.

Habitat preference of spider assemblages which inhabit dwelling buildings of Chernivtsi (Ukraine)

The article deals with the investigation of spider assemblages which inhabit buildings in Ukraine. The relative habitat preference of species, which are abundant in stairways, basements and on external walls of dwellings in Chernivtsi was established

Seagrass-epifauna relationships in a temperate South African estuary: Interplay between patch-size, within-patch location and algal fouling

Understanding the primary and interactive effects of patch-size, within-patch location and degree of algal fouling on epifaunal assemblages is important for seagrass ecology and management, especially in fragmented habitats. In this paper we examine the influence of these factors on epifaunal assemblages in the Heuningnes Estuary, which is one of South Africa's oldest protected systems. Multivariate analyses indicated that all seagrass properties significantly affected epifaunal assemblages and that two gastropods viz. Assiminea globulus and Haminoea alfredensis contributed most to the dissimilarities between factors. Abundance of epifauna and A. globulus were significantly greater at the edges of seagrass beds, whereas species diversity was higher in the interior. Differences in assemblage structure between inner cores and outer edges of seagrass beds are most likely due to the physical properties of each of these zones as well as competitive interactions and habitat preferences of species that utilize each section. Epifaunal richness and A. globulus abundance were significantly greater in large beds compared to small ones and the degree of algal fouling on seagrass beds inversely affected epifaunal abundance, species richness and A. globulus abundance. Importantly, there was a strong interaction between within-patch location and patch-size, indicating that the effects of within-patch location can be altered by patch-size. When explored further, ordinations indicated that epifaunal assemblages in cores and edges became more dissimilar as bed size increased. Similarly, differences in epifaunal abundance, and diversity as well as abundance of A. globulus and H. alfredensis between cores and edges of seagrass beds became greater with increasing bed size. Our results indicate the importance of large beds in enhancing spatial heterogeneity, richness and diversity and the need for adequate protection to prevent their fragmentation in future. This is especially pertinent given the small number of large beds currently found in the system. We discuss the importance of current management strategies in the Heuningness Estuary, specifically the artificial maintenance of an open mouth state, in the persistence of large seagrass beds in the system.

Present taxonomic work on Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) in Canada: progress against all odds

Present taxonomic work on Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) in Canada: progress against all odds

Ecological characteristics of the freshwater Ostracoda in Bolu Region (Turkey)

Total of 40 ostracod taxa obtained from 141 different sampling locations in Bolu were examined to determine relationships between habitat preferences of species and their ecological characteristics from June to August 2006. According to the first axis of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), 52% of the relationships between species and five most influential environmental variables with 36.2% of variances were explained. Although the first four variables, air temperature, water temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity had significant influence (P < 0.05) on species composition, the effect of dissolved oxygen (P = 0.47) was relatively low. Spearman correlation analyses indicated that some species had weak to strong positive correlation with electrical conductivity, whereas some others had a significant negative correlation with pH and redox potential. Only two species (Herpetocypris chevreuxi and Ilyocypris inermis) had strong correlation to the habitat type (P < 0.05). Unweighted Pair-Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA) clustered species into four groups based on their occurrences. Species with cosmopolitan characteristics displayed higher tolerances to environmental variables than noncosmopolitans or rare species. Indeed, four cosmopolitan species (Heterocypris incongruens, I. bradyi, Candona neglecta, and C. candida) had high Environmental Tolerance Index (ETI) values for at least six different environmental variables. Thus, cosmopolitans are highly adaptable within a wide range of environmental conditions and geographical distribution.

Fire as a selective force in a Bornean tropical everwet forest

Tree species rarely exposed to burning, like in everwet tropical forests, are unlikely to be fire adapted. Therefore, one could hypothesize that these species are affected equally by burning and that tree abundance changes are linked solely to fire behavior. Alternatively, if species do react differentially to burning, abundance changes should be linked to tree habitat preference and morphology. Using tree inventories from old-growth and adjacent burned Bornean forest in combination with a database on tree morphology and habitat preference, we test these alternative hypotheses by (1) determining whether species specific abundance changes after fire differ significantly from equal change, and (2) whether observed abundance changes are linked to species morphology and habitat preference. We found that of 196 species tested, 125 species showed an abundance change significantly different from that expected under our null model of equal change. These abundance changes were significantly linked to both tree morphology and habitat preference. Abundance declines were associated with slope or ridge preference, thin barks, and limited seed dormancy. Abundance increases were associated with high light preference, small adult stature, light wood, large leaves, small seeds and long seed dormancy. While species habitat preference and morphology explained observed abundance increases well, abundance declines were only weakly associated with them (R(2) ~ 0.09). This suggests that most tree mortality was random and everwet tropical tree species are poorly fire adapted. As fire frequencies are increasing in the everwet tropics, this might eventually result in permanently altered species compositions and even species extinctions.

Abundance exchange models of fish assemblages along the Hudson River Estuary Gradient, New York

The spatially explicit abundance exchange model (AEM) was built for four fish species: winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), eastern silvery minnow (Hybognathus regius), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) along the Hudson River estuary gradient, New York. The fish and habitat data during 1974-1997 were used to develop and calibrate the AEM; and the fish data during 1998-2001 was used to validate the model. Preference indexes of fish species for dissolved oxygen, salinity, water temperature, and bottom substrates along the gradient were estimated; and these were used to compute habitat preference (HP) of the associated fish species. The species HP was a key variable in the AEM to quantify abundance and distribution patterns of the associated species along the gradient. The AEM could efficiently predict abundance and distribution patterns of all modeled species except striped bass. The model ability for predicting a local distribution range of a fish species with broad tolerance on changing environment like striped bass should be improved.

The synergistic effect of combining woodlands and green veining for biodiversity

Combining nature reserves with small semi-natural elements (green veining) may improve the persistence of plant and animal species in fragmented landscapes. A better understanding of this synergy is essential to improve species diversity in the European Natura 2000 sites and in green veining elements. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between the occurrence of 40 forest plant and animal species in 1,000 km grid cells in the Netherlands and the spatial cohesion of the surrounding large woodlands and small woody elements. Two types of synergy were found. First, nine species were more often present if there was more cohesion of large elements; small elements enhanced this effect. Second, 11 other species were more often present when there was more cohesion of small elements; large elements enhanced this effect. Eight species showed both effects, indicating two-way synergy. The remaining 12 species preferred landscapes dominated by either large or small elements, or displayed no positive relationship whatsoever to woody elements. Species showing synergy often had a low dispersal capacity; the type of synergy seemed to be related to their habitat preference. These results imply that species diversity could be improved by integrating different policy instruments used for nature reserves and green veining. Using a zoning principle where green veins surround and connect nature reserves, the different spatial and habitat preferences of species can be secured. In this way a coherent network could become reality.

Latitudinal variation of diversity in European freshwater animals is not concordant across habitat types

ABSTRACTAim We analysed the variation of species richness in the European freshwater fauna across latitude. In particular, we compared latitudinal patterns in species richness and β‐diversity among species adapted to different habitat types.Location Europe.Methods We compiled data on occurrence for 14,020 animal species across 25 pre‐defined biogeographical regions of European freshwaters from the Limnofauna Europaea. Furthermore, we extracted information on the habitat preferences of species. We assigned species to three habitat types: species adapted to groundwater, lotic (running water) and lentic (standing water) habitats. We analysed latitudinal patterns of species richness, the proportion of lentic species and β‐diversity.Results Only lentic species showed a significant species–area relationship. We found a monotonic decline of species richness with latitude for groundwater and lotic habitats, but a hump‐shaped relationship for lentic habitats. The proportion of lentic species increased from southern to northern latitudes. β‐Diversity declined from groundwater to lentic habitats and from southern to northern latitudes.Main conclusions The differences in the latitudinal variation of species richness among species adapted to different habitat types are in part due to differences in the propensity for dispersal. Since lentic habitats are less persistent than lotic or groundwater habitats, lentic species evolved more efficient strategies for dispersal. The dispersal propensity of lentic species facilitated the recolonization of central Europe after the last glaciation. Overall, we stress the importance of considering the history of regions and lineages as well as the ecological traits of species for understanding patterns of biodiversity.