Didaktiska arter
Didactical indicator speciesWater qualityWetlandEcological nicheDidaktiska indikatorarterVattenkvalitetVåtmarkEkologisk nisch
The study intends to find easily recognizable indicator species for water quality in the constructed wetland of Flemingsbergsviken. The study is relevant since indicator species can be difficult to determine for common people. Easily recognizable indicator species could improve dialogue between the scientific community, administrative authorities and the general public. Such species could be used in education systems, associations or in information campaigns. Therefore, I have chosen to refer to these species as didactical species. Water quality was examined by measuring conductivity, pH and oxygen content in relation to distance from the wetland inlet. The results demonstrate a significant correlation between conductivity and distance. Species occupy different ecological niches and distribution patterns of species in the wetland can be expected to follow changes in abiotic factors, such as water quality. Potential indicator species were investigated by inventorying twelve species of plants and animals. The results show significant linear or curvilinear correlations between one or several water quality factors and the species reedmace, common reed, yellow iris, freshwater woodlouse, twisted ramshorn, damsel- and dragonfly larvae. By carrying out a questionnaire aimed at a group of adults and by talking to a group of children, conclusions could be made regarding indicator species that were easy to recognize and associate to. The results demonstrate that adults found common reed and reedmace most easy to recognize while children found the freshwater woodlouse most interesting. Thus, these indicator species for water quality can be included in the concept didactical species.