Summary: | A study on zooplankton diversity of Kirthar Range was investigated during early spring (March) 2005. Four nais (hill torrents) and three springs were included in the study area. A total of 31 zooplankton species were documented from different water bodies of this area. Rotifera was the most diverse group representing 26 species and it was found dominating most of the water bodies. Brachionus was the most diverse genera in rotifers, with 8 species including B. rubens, B. plicatilisHexarthramira, Keratellacochlearis and K. valga. Cladocera was less diverse and represented by 5 species in which Moina was the most numerically important genus. No two cladoceran species co- occurred in the same water body. In the rotifer-dominant water bodies, cladocera was absent or poorly present, while higher populations of the same were seen in rotifer-poor environments. Adult copepods were not seen however, appearance of nauplii in samples indicated their occurrence. The distribution of zooplankton species is discussed in relation to water chemistry of these water bodies.
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