Zoochory of zooplankton: seasonality and bird morphological diversity can influence metacommunity dynamics of temporary ponds

Harsh and unstable aquatic environments present selective forces that influence environmental heterogeneity, dispersal capacity and specific life history strategies that, in turn, affect species distribution and metacommunity dynamics. To date, relatively few studies have examined the potential of bird-mediated dispersal to connect isolated ephemeral habitats. We used zooplankton from temporary ponds to examine the effects of bird morphological diversity and water availability on microcrustacean diversity in temporary ponds. Three bird feet models were constructed based on small, large and webbed anisodactylous forms in order to simulate bird walking on the pond shore. Bird and zooplankton communities were sampled in two temporary ponds and experimentally simulated zooplankton dispersal by bird on dry sediments. We surveyed in two contrasting seasonal periods. Overall, water availability does affect zooplankton composition, and birds with large feet have higher dispersal capacity. In addition, birds with different feet size and shape carry distinct zooplankton species. During the dry season, sediments hold 100% more species than in the wet season, which indicates that birds have higher potential for dispersing zooplankton in drought conditions. Our findings suggest that bird diversity can maintain zooplankton metacommunities by rescuing dormant organisms from dry ponds and connecting to any available aquatic habitats.