Spatio-Temporal Structure of Rotifers Assemblages in a Lacustrine Ecosystem, Northern Algeria, a STATICO Analysis

This study examines the spatio-temporal structure of rotifer assemblages in a lacustrine ecosystem (Ghrib Lake, Algeria). Monthly surveys were conducted, from June 2014 to May 2015, at six sampling sites. The relationship of rotifer assemblages and environmental variables was analyzed using the STATICO method. This method allowed the examination of the stable part of the environment-rotifer relationship, and also, of the variations of this relationship through time and space. The inter-structure factor map obtained by the STATICO method showed that the relationship between the 9 environmental variables and the abundance of the 45 considered rotifer species was strongest in spring, and moderately strong in winter and summer. The pollution gradient (resulting from nutrient salts) was stronger during these seasons, which is linked to a resistant and very sensitive species gradient.