Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Value of artificial ponds for aquatic insects in drought-prone southern Africa: a review

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Biodiversity and Conservation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Artificial ponds assure continuous societal water supply, especially during droughts. Obligate aquatic and amphibiotic insects readily inhabit novel water bodies, as many possess mobility traits for opportunistic colonization. We review here the value of artificial ponds (< 2 ha) (and reservoirs; > 2 ha) for local aquatic insect diversity in mostly dry and drought-prone southern Africa. We compare these ponds to natural pools, wetlands, and stream deposition pools. The region has a highly varied topography and physiographical zones. Flat, arid areas largely support widespread insect generalists, while the mountainous orographic zones support an additional rich fauna of localized endemics. However, the many ponds (> 0.5 million) have greatly changed the local distribution patterns of surface freshwater across the region, increasing the area of occupancy for many aquatic insect species, especially dragonflies. We focus on the extent to which aquatic insect assemblages have benefitted from new ponds and reservoirs. We conclude that these novel ecosystems benefit almost all lentic aquatic insect species, while also enabling population resilience during droughts. However, while these benefits are substantial, these ponds are not a substitute for natural still waters, which are still required to maintain all indigenous lentic aquatic insect diversity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexander WJR, Bailey F, Bredenkamp DB, van der Merwe A, Willemse N (2007) Linkages between solar activity, climate predictability and water resource development. J S Afr Inst Civ Eng 49:32–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Apinda Legnouo EA, Samways MJ, Simaika JP (2014) Value of artificial ponds for aquatic beetle and bug conservation in the Cape Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot. Aquat Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst 24:522–535

    Google Scholar 

  • Barber-James HM, Lugo-Ortiz CR (2003) Ephemeroptera. In: de Moor IJ, Day JA, de Moor FC (eds) Guides to the Freshwater Invertebrates of Southern Africa, volume 7: Insecta I. Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Plecoptera. WRC Report no. TT 207/03. Water Research Commission, Pretoria, pp 16–159

  • Barber-James HM, Gattolliat J-L (2012) How well are Afrotropical mayflies known? Status of current knowledge, practical applications, and future directions. Inland Waters 2:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Barber-James HM, Pereira-da-Conceicoa LL (2016) Efficacy and deficiencies of rapid biomonitoring in biodiversity conservation: a case study in South Africa. Afr J Aquat Sci 41:337–343

    Google Scholar 

  • Barua M, Gurdak DJ, Ahmed RA, Tamuly J (2012) Selecting flagships for invertebrate conservation. Biodivers Conserv 21:1457–1476

    Google Scholar 

  • Bilton DT (2017) Water beetles from the Bokkeveld Plateau: a semi-arid hotspot of freshwater biodiversity in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Zootaxa 4268:191–214

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bird MS, Mlambo MC, Wasserman RJ, Dalu T, Holland AJ, Day JA, Villet MH, Bilton DT, Barber-James HM, Brendonck L (2019) Deeper knowledge of shallow waters: reviewing the invertebrate fauna of southern African temporary wetlands. Hydrobiologia 827:89–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanckenberg M, Mlambo MC, Parker D, Motitsoe SN, Reed C (2020) Protected and unprotected urban wetlands have similar aquatic macroinvertebrate communities: a case study from the Cape Flats region of southern Africa. PLoS ONE 15(5):e0233889

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bolpagni R, Poikane S, Laini A, Bagella S, Bartoli M, Cantonati M (2019) Ecological and conservation value of small standing-water ecosystems: a systematic review of current knowledge and future challenges. Water 11:402

    Google Scholar 

  • Bredenhand E, Samways MJ (2009) Impact of a dam on benthic macroinvertebrates in a small river in a biodiversity hotspot: Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. J Insect Conserv 13:297–307

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs AJ, Pryke JS, Samways MJ, Conlong DE (2019a) Complementarity among dragonflies across a pondscape in a rural landscape mosaic. Insect Conserv Diver 12:241–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs AJ, Pryke JS, Samways MJ, Conlong DE (2019b) Macrophytes promote aquatic insect conservation in artificial ponds. Aquat Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst 29:1190–1201

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark TE, Samways MJ (1996) Dragonflies (Odonata) as indicators of biotope quality in Kruger National Park, South Africa. J Appl Ecol 33:1001–1012

    Google Scholar 

  • Clausnitzer V, Dijkstra K-DB, Koch R, Boudot J-P, Darwall WRT, Kipping J, Samraoui B, Samways MJ, Simaika JP, Suhling F (2012) Focus on African freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Front Ecol Environ 10:129–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Clausnitzer V, Simaika JP, Samways MJ, Daniel BA (2017) Dragonflies as flagships for sustainable use of water resources in environmental education. Appl Environ Educ Commun 16:196–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Coetzee JA, Jones RW, Hill MP (2014) Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae), reduces benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in a protected subtropical lake in South Africa. Biodivers Conserv 23:1319–1330

    Google Scholar 

  • Conrad KF, Willson KH, Harvey IF, Thomas CJ, Sherratt TN (1999) Dispersal characteristics of seven odonate species in an agricultural landscape. Ecography 22:524–531

    Google Scholar 

  • Cranston PS (2014) A new putatively cryptobiotic midge, Polypedilum ovahimba sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae), from southern Africa. Aust Entomol 53:373–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Dallas HF, Rivers-Moore N (2014) Ecological consequences of global climate change for freshwater ecosystems in South Africa. S Afr J Sci 110(5/6): Art. #2013 – 0274

  • Damm S, Hadrys H (2010) Dispersal strategies of desert inhabiting dragonflies: comparative population genetic study of five widely distributed species. In: Schmiedel U, Jürgens N (eds) Biodiversity in Southern Africa, volume 2: patterns and processes at regional scale. Klaus Hess Publishers, Göttingen, pp 167–174

    Google Scholar 

  • de Moor FC (2002) Shortcomings and advantages of using rapid biological assessment techniques for the purpose of characterizing rivers in South Africa. Verh Internat Verein Limnol 28:651–662

    Google Scholar 

  • de Moor FC (2007) Regional biogeographical differences in Trichoptera diversity in South Africa: observed patterns and processes, In: Bueno-Soria J, Barba-Álvarez R, Armitage B (eds) Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Trichoptera, Mexico, 18–22 June 2006. The Caddis Press, Columbus, Ohio, pp 211–218

  • de Moor FC, Ivanov VD (2008) Global diversity of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Insecta) in freshwater. Hydrobiologia 595:393–407

    Google Scholar 

  • Deacon C, Samways MJ (2017) Conservation planning for the extraordinary and endangered Spesbona damselfly. J Insect Conserv 21:121–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Deacon C, Samways MJ, Pryke JS (2018) Artificial reservoirs complement natural ponds to improve pondscape resilience in conservation corridors in a biodiversity hotspot. PLoS ONE 13(9):e0204148

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Deacon C, Samways MJ, Pryke JS (2019) Aquatic insects decline in abundance and occupy low-quality artificial habitats to survive hydrological droughts. Freshw Biol 64:1643–1654

    Google Scholar 

  • Deacon C, Samways MJ, Pryke JS (2020) Determining drivers of dragonfly diversity patterns and the implications for conservation in South Africa. Biol Conserv 245:108548

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickens CWS, Graham PM (2002) The South African Scoring System (SASS) version 5 rapid bioassessment method for rivers. Afr J Aquat Sci 27:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • DWAF (Department of Water Affairs and Forestry) (1986) Management of the water resources in the Republic of South Africa. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Finch JM, Samways MJ, Hill TR, Piper SE, Taylor S (2006) Application of predictive distribution modelling to invertebrates: Odonata in South Africa. Biodivers Conserv 15:4239–4251

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitchett JM, Grab SW, Bamford MK, Mackay AW (2017) Late Quaternary research in southern Africa: progress, challenges and future trajectories. Trans R Soc S Afr 72:280–293

    Google Scholar 

  • Frouz J, Matěna J, Ali A (2003) Survival strategies of chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) living in temporary habitats: a review. Eur J Entomol 100:459–465

    Google Scholar 

  • Geldenhuys CJ (1993) Floristic composition of the southern Cape forests with an annotated check-list. S. Afr J Bot 59:26–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant PBC, Samways MJ (2007) Montane refugia for endemic and Red Listed dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot. Biodivers Conserv 16:787–806

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant PBC, Samways MJ (2011) Micro-hotspot determination and buffer zone value for Odonata in a globally significant biosphere reserve. Biol Conserv 144:772–781

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths C, Day J, Picker M (eds) (2015) Freshwater life: a field guide to the plants and animals of southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town

    Google Scholar 

  • Harabiš F, Dolný A (2015) Odonates need natural disturbances: how human-induced dynamics affect the diversity of dragonfly assemblages. Freshw Sci 34:1050–1057

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiestermann J, Rivers-Moore N (2015) Predictive modelling of wetland occurrence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. S. Afr. J. Sci. 111(7/8): Art. #2014 – 0179

  • Hill MJ, Hassall C, Oertli B, Fahrig L, Robson BJ, Biggs J, Samways MJ, Usio N, Takamura N, Krishnaswamy J, Wood PJ (2018) New policy directions for global pond conservation. Conserv Lett 11:e12447

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmes PM, Esler KJ, Richardson DM, Witkowski ETF (2008) Guidelines for improved management of riparian zones invaded by alien plants in South Africa. S. Afr J Bot 74:538–552

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntley B, Collingham YC, Singarayer JS, Valdes PJ, Barnard P, Midgley GF, Altwegg R, Ohlemüller R (2016) Explaining patterns of avian diversity and endemicity: climate and biomes of southern Africa over the last 140,000 years. J Biogeogr 43:874–886

    Google Scholar 

  • Jooste ML, Samways MJ, Deacon C (2020) Fluctuating pond water levels and aquatic insect persistence in a drought-prone Mediterranean-type climate. Hydrobiologia 847:1315–1326

    Google Scholar 

  • Kietzka GJ, Pryke JS, Samways MJ (2015) Landscape ecological networks are successful in supporting a diverse dragonfly assemblage. Insect Conserv Diver 8:229–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Kietzka GJ, Pryke JS, Samways MJ (2018) Comparative effects of urban and agricultural land transformation on Odonata assemblages in a biodiversity hotspot. Basic Appl Ecol 33:89–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Kietzka GJ, Pryke JS, Gaigher R, Samways MJ (2019) Applying the umbrella index across aquatic insect taxon sets for freshwater assessment. Ecol Indic 107:105655

    Google Scholar 

  • Lahr J, Diallo AO, Ndour KB, Badji A, Diouf PS (1999) Phenology of invertebrates living in a sahelian temporary pond. Hydrobiologia 405:189–205

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowe SR, Woodford DJ, Impson ND, Day JA (2008) The impact of invasive fish and alien plants on the invertebrate fauna of the Rondegat River, Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Af J Aquat Sci 33:51–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Magoba RN, Samways MJ (2010) Recovery of benthic macroinvertebrate and adult dragonfly assemblages in response to large scale removal of riparian invasive alien trees. J Insect Conserv 14:627–636

    Google Scholar 

  • Mantel SK, Hughes DA, Muller NWJ (2010a) Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers. Part 1: drivers of change: water quantity and quality. Water SA 36:351–360

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mantel SK, Muller NWJ, Hughes DA (2010b) Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers. Part 2: biotic response: abundance and composition of macroinvertebrate communities. Water SA 36:361–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Marais C, Wannenburgh AM (2008) Restoration of water resources (natural capital) through the clearing of invasive alien plants from riparian areas in South Africa: costs and water benefits. S. Afr J Bot 74:526–537

    Google Scholar 

  • Martens A, Richter O, Suhling F (2010) The relevance of perennial springs for regional biodiversity and conservation. In: Schmiedel U, Jürgens N (eds) Biodiversity in Southern Africa, volume 2: patterns and processes at regional scale. Klaus Hess Publishers, Göttingen, pp 70–74

    Google Scholar 

  • McConnachie AJ, Hill MP, Byrne MJ (2004) Field assessment of a frond-feeding weevil, a successful biological control agent of red waterfern, Azolla filiculoides, in southern Africa. Biol Control 29:326–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Midgley JM, Hill MP, Villet MH (2006) The effect of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) SolmsLaubach (Pontederiaceae), on benthic biodiversity in two impoundments on the New Year’s River, South Africa. Afr J Aquat Sci 31:25–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Mlambo MC, Bird MS, Reed CC, Day JA (2011) Diversity patterns of temporary wetland macroinvertebrate assemblages in the south-western Cape, South Africa. Afr J Aquat Sci 36:299–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris TL, Witkowski ETF, Coetzee JA (2008) Initial response of riparian plant community structure to clearing of invasive alien plants in Kruger National Park, South Africa. S Afr J Bot 74:485–494

    Google Scholar 

  • Niba AN, Samways MJ (2006a) Development of the concept of ‘Core Resident Species’ for quality assurance of an insect reserve. Biodivers Conserv 15:4181–4196

    Google Scholar 

  • Niba AS, Samways MJ (2006b) Remarkable elevational tolerance in an African Odonata larval assemblage. Odonatologica 35:265–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson AN (1986) Life cycles and habitats of the northern European Agabini (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Entomol Basiliensia 11:391–417

    Google Scholar 

  • Osborn R, Samways MJ (1996) Determinants of adult dragonfly assemblage patterns at new ponds in South Africa. Odonatologica 25:49–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Partridge TC (1997) Cainozoic environmental change in southern Africa, with special emphasis on the last 200 000 years. Progr Phys Geogr 21:2–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Partridge TC (1998) Of diamonds, dinosaurs and diastrophism: 150 million years of landscape evolution in southern Africa. S Afr J Geol 101:167–184

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters JC (1972) The ecology of Tarn Dub. Vasculum 57:42–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Pryke JS, Samways MJ (2009) Conservation of the insect assemblages of the Cape Peninsula biodiversity hotspot. J Insect Conserv 13:627–641

    Google Scholar 

  • Pryke JS, Samways MJ, De Saedeleer K (2015) An ecological network is as good as a major protected area for conserving dragonflies. Biol Conserv 191:537–545

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramberg L, Hancock P, Lindholm M, Meyer T, Ringrose S, Sliva J, Van As J, Vander Post C (2006) Species diversity in the Okavango Delta. Botswana Aquat Sci 68:310–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Reavell PE (2003) Hemiptera. In: de Moor IJ, Day JA, de Moor FC (eds) Guides to the Freshwater Invertebrates of Southern Africa, volume 8: Insecta II. Hemiptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, Trichoptera and Lepidoptera. WRC Report No. TT 214/03, Water Research Commission, Pretoria, pp 16–71

  • Rivers-Moore NA, Fowles B, Karssing RJ (2013) Impacts of trout on aquatic macroinvertebrates in three Drakensberg rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr J Aquat Sci 38:93–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivers-Moore NA, Dallas HF, de Moor FC, Barendse J (2018) Relationships of water temperature and aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure with non-native riparian plant densities in the southern Cape, South Africa. Afr J Aquat Sci 43:215–227

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosset V, Simaika JP, Arthaud F, Bornette G, Vallod D, Samways MJ, Oertli B (2013) Comparative assessment of scoring methods to evaluate the conservation value of pond and small lake biodiversity. Aquat Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst 23:23–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Roux D, de Moor F, Cambray J, Barber-James H (2002) Use of landscape-level river signatures in conservation planning: a South African case study. Conserv Ecol 6(2):6

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ (1989a) Farm dams as nature reserves for dragonflies (Odonata) at various altitudes in the Natal Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa. Biol Conserv 48:181–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ (1989b) Taxon turnover in Odonata across a 3 000 m altitudinal gradient in southern Africa. Odonatologica 18:263–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ (2008) Dragonflies and damselflies of South Africa. Pensoft, Sophia

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ (2010) Impacts of extreme weather and climate change on South African dragonflies. BioRisk 5:73–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Grant PBC (2007) Honing Red List assessments of lesser-known taxa in biodiversity hotspots. Biodivers Conserv 16:2575–2586

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Grant PBC (2008) Elephant impact on dragonflies. J Insect Conserv 12:493–498

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Kreuzinger K (2001) Vegetation, ungulate and grasshopper interactions inside vs. outside an African savanna game park. Biodivers Conserv 10:1963–1981

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Niba AS (2010) Climate and elevational range of a South African dragonfly assemblage. BioRisk 5:85–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Sharratt NJ (2010) Recovery of endemic dragonflies after removal of invasive alien trees. Conserv Biol 24:267–277

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Simaika JP (2016) Manual of freshwater assessment for South Africa: dragonfly biotic index. Suricata 2. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Stewart DAB (1997) An aquatic ecotone and its significance in conservation. Biodivers Conserv 6:1429–1444

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Steytler NS (1996) Dragonfly (Odonata) distribution patterns in urban and forest landscapes, and recommendations for riparian management. Biol Conserv 78:279–288

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Caldwell PM, Osborn R (1996a) Spatial patterns of dragonflies (Odonata) as indicators for design of a conservation pond. Odonatologica 25:157–166

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Osborn R, van Heerden I (1996b) Distribution of benthic invertebrates at different depths in a shallow reservoir in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Koedoe 39:69–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Pryke JS, Simaika JP (2011a) Threats to dragonflies on land islands can be as great as those on oceanic islands. Biol Conserv 144:1145–1151

    Google Scholar 

  • Samways MJ, Sharratt NJ, Simaika JP (2011b) Effect of alien riparian vegetation and its removal on a highly endemic river macroinvertebrate community. Biol Invasions 13:1305–1324

    Google Scholar 

  • Shelton JM, Samways MJ, Day JA (2015) Non-native rainbow trout change the structure of benthic communities in headwater streams of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Hydrobiologia 745:1–15

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Šigutová H, Šigut M, Dolný A (2015) Intensive fish ponds as ecological traps for dragonflies: an imminent threat to the endangered species Sympetrum depressiusculum (Odonata: Libellulidae). J Insect Conserv 19:961–974

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways MJ (2009) An easy-to-use index of ecological integrity for prioritizing freshwater sites and for assessing habitat quality. Biodivers Conserv 18:1171–1185

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways (2011) Comparative assessment of indices of freshwater habitat conditions using different invertebrate taxon sets. Ecol Indic 11:370–378

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways (2012) Using dragonflies to monitor and prioritize lotic systems: a South African perspective. Org Divers Evol 12:251–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways (2015) Predicted range shifts of dragonflies over a wide elevation gradient in the southern hemisphere. Freshw Sci 34:1133–1143

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways (2018) Insect conservation psychology. J Insect Conserv 22:635–642

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways, Kipping J, Suhling F, Dijkstra K-DB, Clausnitzer V, Boudot J-P, Domisch S (2013) Continental-scale conservation prioritization of African dragonflies. Biol Conserv 157:245–254

    Google Scholar 

  • Simaika JP, Samways, Frenzel PP (2016) Artificial ponds increase local dragonfly diversity in a global biodiversity hotspot. Biodivers Conserv 25:1921–1935

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith J, Samways MJ, Taylor S (2007) Assessing riparian quality using two complementary sets of bioindicators. Biodivers Conserv 16:2695–2713

    Google Scholar 

  • Steytler NS, Samways MJ (1995) Biotope selection by adult male dragonflies (Odonata) at an artificial lake created for insect conservation in South Africa. Biol Conserv 72:381–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Suh AN, Samways MJ (2001) Development of a dragonfly awareness trail in an African botanical garden. Biol Conserv 100:345–353

    Google Scholar 

  • Suh AN, Samways MJ (2005) Significance of temporal changes when designing a reservoir for conservation of dragonfly diversity. Biodivers Conserv 14:165–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Suhling F, Sahlén G, Kasperski J, Gaedecke D (2005) Behavioural and life history traits in temporary and perennial waters: comparisons among three pairs of sibling dragonfly species. Oikos 108:609–617

    Google Scholar 

  • Suhling F, Sahlén G, Martens A, Marais E, Schütte C (2006) Dragonfly assemblages in arid tropical environments: a case study from Western Namibia. Biodivers Conserv 15:311–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Suhling F, Martens A, Marais E (2009) How to enter a desert: patterns of Odonata colonisation of arid Namibia. Int J Odonatol 12:287–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Suhling F, Samways MJ, Simaika JP, Richter O, Marais E, Martens A, Kipping J (2010) Dragonfly diversity from the Cape to the Kavango. In: Schmiedel U, Jürgens N (eds) Biodiversity in Southern Africa, volume 2: Patterns and Processes at Regional Scale. Klaus Hess Publishers, Göttingen, pp 64–69

    Google Scholar 

  • van Klink R, Bowler DE, Gongalsky KB, Swengel AB, Gentile A, Chase JM (2020) Meta-analysis reveals declines in terrestrial but increases in freshwater insect abundances. Science 368(6489):417–420

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wilgen BW, Le Maitre DC, Cowing RM (1998) Ecosystem services, efficiency, sustainability and equity: South Africa’s Working for Water Programme. Trend Ecol Evol 13:378

    Google Scholar 

  • Vorster C, Samways MJ, Simaika JP, Kipping J, Clausnitzer C, Suhling F, Dijkstra K-DB (2020) Development of a new continental-scale index for freshwater assessment based on dragonfly assemblages. Ecol Indic 109:105819

    Google Scholar 

  • Ware JL, Simaika JP, Samways MJ (2009) Biogeography and divergence time estimation of the relic Cape dragonfly genus Syncordulia: global significance and implications for conservation. Zootaxa 2216:22–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Weyl OLF, Ellender BR, Wasserman RJ, Woodford DJ (2015) Unintended consequences of using alien fish for human benefit in protected areas. Koedoe 57: Art. #1264

  • Williams DD (2006) The biology of temporary waters. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams P, Whitfield M, Biggs J (2008) How can we make new ponds biodiverse? A case study monitored over 7 years. Hydrobiologia 597:137–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis CK, Samways MJ (2011) Water Dancers of South Africa’s National Botanical Gardens. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis CK, Samways MJ (2013) Dragonfly and Damselfly trail guide: KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Wishart MJ, Day JA (2002) Endemism in the freshwater fauna of the south-western Cape, South Africa. Verh Internat Verein Limnol 28:1762–1766

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Funding for this review was provided by the Mondi Group.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa

    Michael J. Samways, Charl Deacon, Gabriella J. Kietzka, James S. Pryke & Carlien Vorster

  2. Aquatic Ecosystems Chair Group, Department of Water Science & Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, 2601 DA, Delft, The Netherlands

    John P. Simaika

Authors
  1. Michael J. Samways
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Charl Deacon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gabriella J. Kietzka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. James S. Pryke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Carlien Vorster
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. John P. Simaika
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael J. Samways.

Additional information

Communicated by Nigel E. Stork.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This article belongs to the Topical Collection: Biodiversity appreciation and engagement.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Samways, M.J., Deacon, C., Kietzka, G.J. et al. Value of artificial ponds for aquatic insects in drought-prone southern Africa: a review. Biodivers Conserv 29, 3131–3150 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-020-02020-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-020-02020-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation