Il Lago della Ninfa (Appennino modenese): comunità macrozoobentonica, fauna vertebrata e considerazioni ecologiche

The biocoenoses of Lake Ninfa in the Northern Apennines (Province of Modena, Italy) have undergone heavy tampering since 1961 when this small impoundment was completely emptied in order to allow the dredging of the lake bottom. Consequently, the original vegetation was uprooted and the impervious sediments of the lake floor removed. This study has taken into account the present situation of the lake’s macrozoobenthos after previous investigations going back to some 30 years ago (Crema & Zunarelli Vandini, 1983). For this purpose, sampling was carried out in June, July and October 2011 and in the spring of 2014. At the same time, the main chemical and physical parameters were acquired and observations concerning the batrachofauna and ichthyofauna of this wetland were carried out.