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SFS Annual Meeting

Poster Details

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URBAN PONDS: THE LINK BETWEEN TYPES OF AQUATIC VEGETATION AND ODONATE BIODIVERSITY

The City of Denton, located in a semi-arid region of Texas, has over 200 man made ponds within its city limits. Many of these ponds, located in densely populated areas, are engineered to control stormwater runoff. There is a general lack of recognition of the value these waters contribute to regional or local biodiversity and as green-spaces. This study, as part of a larger study of all benthic macroinvertebrates, monitors habitat variables and Odonate diversity in a series of ponds selected to represent a gradient of urban influences. The objective of this study is to identify the variables and stressors associated with biodiversity. The study has determined that the storm water ponds have comparable levels of diversity, but differing Odonate species composition. There is also data to support that certain types of aquatic vegetation are important for diversity as well as development patterns. Results of this study will be used to develop a conservation plan to maximize the aquatic health of the ponds and if implemented, contribute to the sustainable development in Denton.

Gillian Graham (Primary Presenter/Author), University of North Texas, GillianGraham@my.unt.edu;


Marti Sanders (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of North Texas, martisanders@my.unt.edu;