Physical, chemical and biological dynamics of five temporary dystrophic forest pools in central Mississippi

Five temporary forest pools at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Noxubee Co., Mississippi were surveyed monthly for three years to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of temporary aquatic habitats. The objective of this study was to characterize the physicochemical and biological changes in temporary pools in order to assess the temporal habitat diversity. These ecosystems, all within no more than 4 km of one another, were heterotrophic with a detrital-based food web derived from allochthonous leaf litter. These pools were chosen because of their close proximity to one another, they historically filled and dried seasonally, and they were known breeding sites for resident amphibian populations. Only 47% of the amphibian cohorts inhabiting the pools appeared to thrive and metamorphose prior to pool desiccation. Successful development and dispersal of larvae was variable among pools and years. We found that the filling cycles differed among habitats and that physiochemical and biological parameters were highly variable. Our data suggest that ephemeral pools in this central piedmont region of Mississippi are each unique and represent habitats of low predictability for amphibian breeding and success. We conclude that it is erroneous to draw generalizations regarding a 'typical' temporary pool ecosystem within this region.