La comunità macrozoobentonica di alcune zone umide del Modenese: II - Oasi naturalistica “La Francesa” (Comune di Carpi)

The results of research on the macrozoobenthic community of “La Francesa” Nature Reserve (Carpi, Italy) are reported as a contribution to our understanding of biodiversity in this recently created protected area. Eight of its 23 hectares are marshy and have different kinds of environments, such as areas always covered by water and wet meadows. Samplings were carried out in July 2006 in six stations situated both in the middle and in the peripheral area, using a standard-sized bucket. The 31 taxa found are representative of a pioneer community that is subject to sudden changes. The main chemical and physical parameters were found using portable instruments. For further information concerning wetlands and their importance, see Ansaloni & Prevedelli in this volume.