Macroinvertebrate Community Structure and Physicochemical Conditions of a Southeastern Oklahoma Bog

Abstract

An unusual wetland pond, known as a quaking bog, is located on the Oka’ Yanhali Preserve in Johnston County, Oklahoma. There is little known about these ecosystems, and none have been described in published studies from Oklahoma. Physicochemical data and aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected in June and December of 2014.

With the exception of low dissolved oxygen concentrations, the water quality was capable of supporting a healthy aquatic ecosystem. A total of 10,917 individuals representing 40 taxa were collected during summer
and winter. Oligochaetes, bivalves, and chironomids dominated the collections, with 75% of all individuals categorized as detritivores. The highest species richness values and greatest number of individuals occurred in the center of the pond where water levels were the most stable.
©2015 Oklahoma Academy of Science