The significance of recent glacial history for the limno-terrestrial microfauna in Trygghamna (Svalbard, High Arctic)

Abstract The diversity and spatial distribution of microscopic invertebrates in the Arctic have yet to be studied detail. Knowledge this is especially important context glacier shrinking, one most visible environmental consequences climate change. To understand how time since deglaciation shapes communities limno-terrestrial microfauna, we analysed samples moss collected during summer 2021 forefields Trygghamna (Svalbard), where glaciers thought started recede at beginning twentieth century. We estimated taxonomic trophic composition abundance all microfauna groups (with a specific focus on little-known bdelloid rotifers) two areas, which correspond different stages glacial retreat. impact 14 other parameters (distance from sea, moisture, structural complexity, soil nutrient, isotopic composition) was considered. Thirty-seven taxa were found, wherein Dorylaimida nematodes (Dorylaimida, Nematoda) dominated both frequency (present sites) (50 ± 21% individuals). Less prevalent rotifers (Bdelloidea, Rotifera) followed by tardigrades (Tardigrada), which, contrast others, more abundant later deglaciated area. In general, explained 81.8% distribution. Time significant factor (9.5%). Among variables that act fine scale, moisture habitat (6%), presence ground (4%), δ 15 N (4%). complexity did not effect, neither characterising nutrient composition. However, some variability observed for lower taxa.