Cyclopoid diversity in the basin of Lake Hula (Israel), after its partial reflooding

Abstract

In a relatively small area of 60 km² which corresponds to the basin of the presently drained Lake Hula and its swamps (Upper Jordan Valley), 22 species of Cyclopoida are on record, with two more species reported in the pre-drainage times. The basin of Lake Hula is the southernmost enclave of permanent fresh waters in the Levant Province of Southwest Asia. Lacustrine and swamp environments existed in the area uninterruptedly for at least 700 000 years. A partial restoration project created a new lake. The basin is situated right in the middle of a main bird migration route. The fact that no less than 15 species were recorded from a set of small artificial and isolated experimental ponds seems to indicate that migrating birds and stocks of resting eggs are to account for this high diversity. Cyclops vicinus, Mesocyclops arcanus and Eucyclops serrulatus are the most common species. The success of the restoration is discussed.