title: Limnological changes in Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil): natural and anthropogenic causes.
abstract: In order to verify changes in physical, chemical and biological features of Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil), this study compares previous and recent data obtained from limnological investigations over three decades. Plankton species composition and density together with environmental data from 1978, 1983, and during 1999 to 2006 showed changes driven by seasonal climatic forces or by anthropogenic causes. Changes in diversity are shown as a consequence of alternation of rainy and dry periods and introduction of exotic fish species. Finally, suggestions are made for improving conservation efforts in the area, through planned actions and monitoring programmes.
authors.affiliation: Laboratório de Ecologia do Zooplâncton, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, CP 486, CEP 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. maia@icb.ufmg.br
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Maia-Barbosa
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: C F A
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.forename: M B G
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mello
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: F A R
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Barbosa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001938:Brazil; D002980:Climate; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005399:Fishes; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis*; D058865:Introduced Species; D010839:Phytoplankton / Q000145:classification*; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012621:Seasons; D015048:Zooplankton / Q000145:classification*