UNT Aquatic Ecology Labs

Freshwater Insects of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile

Dissertation title: Benthic macroinvertebrates of temperate, sub-Antarctic streams: the effects of altitudinal zoning and temperature on the phenology of aquatic insects associated to the Róbalo River, Navarino Island (55°S), Chile

Laguna del Salto & Róbalo River

Throughout North America and Europe, the interest for the study of benthic macroinvertebrates has led to a better understanding of the taxonomy of this group and the ecological dynamics within freshwater ecosystems. These studies have included research such as population dynamics, competition studies, predator-prey interactions, and trophic dynamics. The information from these studies has led to improved ecological theories and the ability to use invertebrates in the determination of an ecosystem’s overall health.

Malaise Trap in the Róbalo River Watershed

While a significant amount of the research on aquatic insects has taken place in the northern hemisphere, similar amounts of research have not been conducted in the sub-Antarctic Magallanes region of Chile. Since 2002, Omora Park researchers have been studying the ecology of sub-Antarctic streams in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Much of this work has focused on the effects of invasive, exotic species, such as the beaver and trout.

Case-making Caddisfly from the Róbalo River

Our research primarily focuses on characterizing the aquatic insect fauna associated to the Róbalo River watershed, which provides drinking water to the people of Puerto Williams. In order to obtain a better understanding of the community dynamics and the ecology of benthic macroinvertebrates in sub-Antarctic streams, we are working on the evaluation of the phenology of selected freshwater insects along the altitudinal gradient of the Róbalo River, as well as a survey of the fauna associated to different altitudinal locations and seasons. Furthermore, our research serves as a baseline for the nascent Long Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER-Chile) network in Chile. A very important component of our research is the translation of the information obtained into ecotourism and

Workshop with Puerto Williams School Children

conservation activities in the region by conducting workshops with pre-school and elementary school children, teachers, and tourism operators from the region. The workshops aim to not only discover, but to also value the importance of the freshwater insect diversity that inhabits the aquatic systems of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve.

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Announcements

We are currently seeking student lab assistants to process biological field samples.

Contact Us

Phone: 940-565-2981
Email: kennedy@unt.edu