Aquatic Insects of Nahuel Huapi National Park

The Nahuel Huapi National park in Patagonia Argentina shelters a fraction of the largest temperate rainforest area of South America, the Valdivian Rainforest which has been recently included among the most threatened eco-regions around the world by the Global 2000 initiative launched by WWF and the World Bank. Hence, the area makes an interesting Biodiversity hotspot in the country

 
The freshwater insect biodiversity of Argentina is threatened by human impacts. At present, the freshwater insect fauna is poorly known and knowledge is constrained by a lack of adequate identification guides and reference collections. In addition, there is poor public understanding of the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and providing basic human needs. Our project will address this need by: (a) building infrastructure in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, which has been identified as one of the most important conservation areas in Argentinean Patagonia; (b) providing a wetland interpretation centre where tourists, sport fishermen, students and researchers will be able to study freshwater insects and understand their role in freshwater ecosystems; (c) developing identification guides, reference collections and an inventory of freshwater insects for the National Park. 

All the Institutions host and partners are involved in the planning and design of the project:

• Natural History Museum (NHM): Coordination of project. Specialist identification of Chironomidae and simulidae. Participation in fieldwork. GIS expertise. (Steve Brooks, Luis Hernandez and Malcolm Penn)
• Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata (UNLP): Coordination of project within Argentina. Storage, curation and databasing of insect collections. Specialist identification of Ceratopogonidae, Trichoptera. Participation in fieldwork. (Gustavo Spinelli and Mariano Donato)
• Instituto de Limnologia de La Plata (ILPLA): Supervision and training of research students who will be involved in collection and identification of freshwater insects. (Javier Muzon and Julieta Massaferro)
• Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche (UNC): Logistical and equipment (including boats) support for fieldwork. (Karin Heinnemam)
• Biological Station Puerto Blest (EBPB): Logistical support for fieldwork. Facilities for storage and identification of freshwater insects. Teaching, training and interpretation facilities. EBPB Manager (Premoli) will assist with fieldwork and provide access and support at the field station
• Administracion Parques Nacionales (APN): Logistical and equipment (including 4x4 vehicle) support for fieldwork. Susana Seijas assists with fieldwork and provide local contacts and information on suitable localities in national park.
• Universidad de la Patagonia, Esquel, Chubut (UNP): will provide laboratory facilities. Specialist identification of Coleoptera. (Miguel Archangelsky and Pablo Pessaq)