Springtail diversity in South Africa
Date
2011-11
Authors
Janion, Charlene
Bedos, Anne
Bengtsson, Jan
Deharveng, Louis
Janse Van Vuuren, Bettine
Leinaas, Hans Petter
Liu, Amy
Malmstrom, Anna
Porco, David
Chown, Steven L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Abstract
Despite their significance in soil ecosystems and their use for investigations of soil ecosystem
functioning and in bioindication elsewhere, springtails (Collembola) have not been well
investigated in South Africa. Early recognition of their role in soil systems and sporadic
systematic work has essentially characterised knowledge of the southern African fauna for
some time. The situation is now changing as a consequence of systematic and ecological work
on springtails. To date this research has focused mostly on the Cape Floristic Region and
has revealed a much more diverse springtail fauna than previously known (136 identifiable
species and an estimated 300 species for the Cape Floristic Region in total), including radiations
in genera such as the isotomid Cryptopygus. Quantitative ecological work has shown that
alpha diversity can be estimated readily and that the group may be useful for demonstrating
land use impacts on soil biodiversity. Moreover, this ecological work has revealed that some
disturbed sites, such as those dominated by Galenia africana, may be dominated by invasive
springtail species. Investigation of the soil fauna involved in decomposition in Renosterveld
and Fynbos has also revealed that biological decomposition has likely been underestimated
in these vegetation types, and that the role of fire as the presumed predominant source of
nutrient return to the soil may have to be re-examined. Ongoing research on the springtails will
provide the information necessary for understanding and conserving soils: one of southern
Africa’s major natural assets.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za/
Keywords
Springtail (Collembola), Springtail (Collembola) -- Ecological role, Soil ecosystem functioning
Citation
Janion, C. et al. 2011. Springtail diversity in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 107(11-12):01-07, doi:10.4102/sajs.v107i11/12.582.