First survey of the algal richness of a Nordwestern Argentinean mountain pond

Abstract

Northwest Argentina has a wide variety of inland water systems including irregular ponds of variable dimensions, many of which have been formed by landslides. High-altitude ponds are scarce, of heterogeneous distribution and constitute fragile ecosystems, vulnerable to human intervention and natural effects. These lenitic ecosystems are unstable and shortlived, so their study is relevant for various purposes. Due to the accelerated loss of habitats and extinctions of biota, in recent years there has been an important interest in revaluing and studying biodiversity. In this global context and given the scarcity of research in the study area, an analysis of the richness and composition of phytoplankton was carried out in the Siambón pond, located in the Yungas of Northwest Argentina. 39 species were determined: 2 green algae, 5 green-blue algae (cyanobacteria) and 32 diatoms. Two new diatom citations are presented for Tucumán province (Nitzschia inconspicua and Stauroneis anceps). This first phycological contribution to this system will serve as a baseline for future limnological, phycological and palaeoenvironmental studies. Likewise, it constitutes a contribution to increase the knowledge of biological diversity in high altitude ponds.