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Abstract Freshwater fishes are among the most threatened taxa worldwide owing to changes in land use, species introductions, and climate change. Although more than half of the freshwater fishes in the Chilean Mediterranean ecoregion are considered vulnerable or endangered, still little is known about their biogeography. Fishes of the family Perciliidae are endemic of this region and ideal cases to study potential implications of global warming given their endangered conservation status, small size, restricted range, and limited dispersal capacity in fragmented habitats. Here, we model the spatial distribution of habitats for Percilia irwini and P. gillissi under current (1970–2000) and future (2050–2080) climatic scenarios (SSP245, SSP585). We implement maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models adapted for stream networks using high-resolution datasets of selected geophysical and climatic variables. At present, both species inhabit relatively low-quality habitats. In the future (SSP585), suitable habitats for P. irwini are predicted to be reduced drastically (99%) with potential local extirpations in its northern range. Similarly, up to 62% of suitable habitats for P. gillissi would also be reduced in the future. Our study provides insights about assessing future threats and vulnerability of endemic, endangered, range-restricted, and small-bodied freshwater species in this region and elsewhere.

This study assessed natural variation in the macroinvertebrate assemblages (MIB) and water quality in one of the main basins with the largest agricultural activities in Chile (Aconcagua River Basin). We sampled throughout the annual cycle; nine sampling sites were established along the basin, classifying according to agricultural area coverage as least-disturbed, intermediate, and most-disturbed. We collected 56 macroinvertebrate taxa throughout the entire study area. Multivariate analysis shows significant differences among the three disturbance categories in different seasons, both water quality variables and the MIB structure. Distance-based linear model (DistLM) analysis for all seasons explained more than 95.9% of the macroinvertebrate assemblages, being significantly explained by chemical oxygen demand, pH, total coliforms, nitrites, elevation, and water temperature. ANOVA test revealed significant differences in the proportion of noninsect individuals, macroinvertebrates density, and the number of taxa among the three disturbance categories (p < 0.05). In general, water temperature, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates increased their values downstream in the basin. Our results indicate that the elevation gradient and increment in agricultural land use in the basin had a strong influence on water quality and MIB. A better understanding of these ecosystems could help conservation and integrated watershed management.

Los ecotonos transicionales entre lagos y ríos han recibido menor atención que aquellos de ecosistemas terrestres, y pueden reunir características particulares de gran importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad dulceacuícola. Con el objeto de evaluar lo anterior, se estudió la dinámica espacio-temporal de las abundancias y tallas, de poblaciones de 13 especies de peces nativos chilenos, presentes en la zona ecotonal Lago Riñihue - Río San Pedro, ubicada en la cuenca hidrográfica del río Valdivia (Chile). Se muestrearon mensualmente 35 sitios localizados en tres zonas hidromorfológicas del área de estudio (número de sitios por zona: Ml = 9, M2= 17, M3= 9). Los muestreos se llevaron a cabo el año 2006. De manera complementaria, se realizaron muestreos en todos los sitios los años 2007 (enero - febrero, junio - agosto y diciembre) y 2008 (enero - marzo). Los resultados de este estudio muestran la presencia de un ecotono muy dinámico tanto espacial como temporalmente, apoyando la hipótesis que estas zonas transicionales poseen características especiales que deben ser tomadas en consideración para la conservación de la biodiversidad.The transitional ecotones between lakes and rivers have received less attention than those of terrestrial ecosystems and can meet particular characteristics of great importance for freshwater biodiversity conservation. In order to evaluate this, we studied the spatio-temporal dynamics of the abundances and body sizes of the populations of 13 species of Chilean native fishes, in the ecotonal area Riñihue Lake - San Pedro river, located in the Valdivia river basin (Chile). Thirty five sites were sampled monthly, located in three hydromorphological zones of the study area (number of sites by area: M1 = 9, M2 = 17 M3 = 9). The results of this study show the presence of a dynamic ecotone both spatially and temporally, supporting the hypothesis that these transitional zones have special characteristics that must be taken into account for conservation of biodiversity.

A strong socio-economic development pressure in South Chile will more and more cause an impact to the present lakes and rivers. Nevertheless, our knowledge concerning the ecological structure and the microbial self-purification capabilities of these lacustrine water bodies is scant but essential for a future sustainable development of land and water use. We studied Lake Laja, a lake already heavily impacted by water diversions for hydropower generation and irrigation. Typical for the Andean region Lake Laja is an oligotrophic water body, limited by nitrogen nutrients. Only very low chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations and a small abundance and biomass of bacteria (mainly ultramicrobacteria) and heterotrophic flagellates were encountered. Weak trophic interrelations were derived from a high bacteria-to-heterotrophic flagellate ratio. For the ten investigated extracellular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, leucine, arginine-, glycine and tyrosine-aminopeptidase, α-, β-D-glucosidase, α-, β-D-galactosidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase), with the exception of α-D-glucosidase, a broad range of organic matter degradation activities was proven. Probably, due to the N-limitation, organic nitrogen hydrolysing extracellular enzymes reached activities on average of 45 % compared to other studies in oligotrophic waters. The possible effect of N-limitation on extracellular enzyme activities was more pronounced by cell specific extracellular enzymatic activity rates, which exceeded those of other oligotrophic water bodies on average by factor 2. The overall activities of all microbial extracellular enzymes studied proved to be dominated by the dissolved free external enzymes (up to 98 %) over the ectoenzymes which are associated with particulate organic matter (bacterial cell walls, particles, and aggregates). It is concluded that future socio-economic changes, dealing with watershed human intervention (accelerating inorganic and organic loads) as well as global change (temperature and precipitation changes) could lead to significant changes in the ecology of Lake Laja.La gran presión generada por el desarrollo socioeconómico del sur de Chile, está causando cada vez más un mayor impacto en los lagos y ríos allí presentes. Sin embargo, el conocimiento de la estructura ecológica y la capacidad microbiana de autodepuración de los cuerpos de agua lacustres es escasa, pero esencial para un futuro uso sostenible de los recursos agua y suelo. Se estudió el lago Laja, por ser un cuerpo de agua muy afectado por la extracción de agua para la generación de energía hidroeléctrica y el riego. Como es característico de la región andina, el lago Laja es oligotrófico limitado por nutrientes nitrogenados. Se encontraron bajas concentraciones de clorofila a y carbono orgánico particulado (POC), así como bajas abundancias y biomasa de bacterias (principalmente ultramicrobacteria) y de flagelados heterotróficos. Interrelaciones tróficas débiles se determinaron de la relación bacterias y flagelados heterotróficos. Para las diez enzimas extracelulares estudiadas (fosfatasa, leucina-, arginina-, glicina- y tirosina-aminopeptidasa, a-, b-D-glucosidasa, a-, b-D-galactosidasa, N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidasa), con la excepción de α-β-glucosidase, se analizó un amplio rango de actividad de degradación sobre la materia orgánica. Probablemente, debido a la limitación de nitrógeno, el N-orgánico hidrolizado por enzimas extracelulares alcanzó una actividad promedio de 45 %, comparada con otros estudios en aguas oligotróficas. El posible efecto de la limitación de N en la actividad enzimática extracelular, fue más pronunciado en las tasas de la actividad enzimática extracelular específicas, las cuales excedieron en un factor promedio de dos a las de otros cuerpos de aguas oligotróficos. En general, la actividad de todas las enzimas extracelulares microbianas estudiadas resultaron estar dominadas por enzimas externas disueltas libres (hasta el 98 %), más que por ectoenzimas asociadas a partículas de materia orgánica (paredes celulares de bacterias, partículas y agregados). De esta manera es posible concluir que los futuros cambios socioeconómicos, reflejados en el incremento de cargas orgánicas e inorgánicas, así como el efecto del cambio global (cambios en temperaturas y precipitaciones), podrían provocar cambios significativos en la ecología del lago Laja.

La Patagonia chilena incluye uno de los sistemas hídricos más complejos de Sudamérica y uno de los menos intervenidos del mundo, los cuales fueron intensamente modelados por la actividad glacial del Cuaternario. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si en esta área existen zonas de endemismo de macroinvertebrados bentónicos fluviales y analizar los patrones de diversidad de organismos de alta (Plecoptera) y baja vagilidad (Aeglidae). Entre el 2006 y 2009 se muestrearon 183 sitios entre 42°50' y 54°43' S, focalizándose en las principales cuencas. Los muéstreos se realizaron con una red "kicknet", cubriendo una superficie de fondo de 8 m². En toda el área se registraron 30 especies de Plecoptera y dos de Aeglidae. Se identificó una zona de endemismo en la cuenca del río Aysén, sustentada por el plecóptero Ceratoperla fazi y el cangrejo Aegla neuquensis. Esta última especie correspondería a una población relictual procedente de los ríos de la estepa Argentina, que habría quedado atrapada en la Patagonia chilena, luego que se invirtiera el flujo del cauce del río que originalmente fluía hacia el Atlántico. Un marcado cambio latitudinal en la diversidad de especies fue evidente a lo largo del área de estudio (R² = 0.72, P < 0.05), con una disminución de la riqueza hacia el sur. La regresión entre riqueza de especies y temperatura media anual del aire fue estadísticamente significativa (R² = 0.67, P < 0.05), sugiriendo que la hipótesis especies-energía asociada al efecto de las entradas de energía solar, puede tener un efecto relevante sobre la diversidad. Se sugiere que en los organismos de alta vagilidad los acontecimientos históricos tendrían menos influencia que las exigencias ecológicas actuales. Por el contrario, en el caso de los de baja vagilidad, los fenómenos históricos parecieran tener mayor relevancia.The Chilean Patagonia includes one of the most complex hydrological systems of South America and one of the least modified systems of the world. These systems were intensely modified by the glacial activity of the Quaternary. The objectives of this study were to determine whether or not in this area exists zones of endemic benthic fluvial macroinvertebrates, and to analyze the patterns of diversity of species composed by organisms of high (Plecoptera) and low (Aeglidae) vagility. A collection of 183 selected sites, located between the latitude 42° 50' and 54°43' S, were sampled during 2006 and 2009. The sampling was focused on the main river basins and a "kicknet" was used to cover a surface of 8 m² at the bottom of the river channel. In all sampled areas, thirty Plecoptera and two Aeglidae species were recorded. One zone dominated by endemic species was identified in the Aysen river basin, which included the Plecoptera Ceratoperla fazi and the crab Aegla neuquensis. The last species belong to an ancient population found in the river steppes of Argentina, and may have been locked in the Chilean Patagonia when the channel flow was reversed from its original discharge towards the Atlantic Ocean. A distinct latitudinal change in the diversity of species was noticed throughout the study area (R² = 0.72, P < 0.05), showing a gradient of decreasing species richness towards the south. The regression analysis between species richness and annual mean temperature was significant (R² = 0.67, P < 0.05). This suggests that the input of solar energy had an important effect on species diversity. In addition, the historical events would have had weaker impacts relative to current ecological requirements on organisms of high vagility. Conversely, low vagility organisms seemed to be largely affected by history.

En enero de 2006 se estudiaron los patrones espaciales de distribución de comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentónicos de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Baker (45°50' O y 47°55' S) y los principales factores controladores, intentando cubrir la mayor variedad de ecosistemas lóticos. Para llevar a cabo el estudio se seleccionaron 27 estaciones de muestreo ubicadas en las diferentes subcuencas del río. En cada estación se realizó una caracterización fisicoquímica del agua (conductividad, oxígeno disuelto, pH, temperatura y turbidez), y se documentaron las características del tramo de río (e.g. ancho del cauce y tipo de sedimento) e información cartográfica utilizando un sistema de información geográfica (SIG). Se identificaron un total de 51 taxa que correspondieron en su mayoría a larvas de insectos (80 %). Los grupos con mayor riqueza fueron los órdenes Ephemeroptera (15 taxa), Plecoptera (8 taxa) y Trichoptera (8 taxa). Los análisis de clasificación y ordenación realizados con los datos de abundancia, permitieron reconocer siete grupos de estaciones diferentes (A-F) que fueron estadísticamente significativos (P < 0.05). El análisis de regresión múltiple, muestra que la variable ambiental que mejor explica los patrones biológicos observados, fue el porcentaje de cobertura de bolones, explicando el 44 % de la varianza de los datos biológicos (r² = 0.44 P < 0.05).In January of 2006 we studied the distributional patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate communities of the Baker river basin (45°50' O and 47°55' S) and their main controlling factors trying to cover the greater variety of the lotic ecosystems. To carry out the study, 27 sampling stations were located in the different sub basins of the river. In each station, physical-chemical parameters of the column of water were quantified (conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity), and documented characteristics of the segment (e.g. wide of the channel and sediment type) and cartographic information using a geographic information system (GIS) and complemented with cartographic information using GIS. Identified a total of 51 taxa, are mostly insect larvae (80 %). The groups most richness were orders Ephemeroptera (15 taxa), Plecoptera (8 taxa) and Trichoptera (8 taxa). The classification and ordination analyses carried out with the data of abundance, allowed to recognize seven groups stations (A-F) statistically significant (P < 0.05). The múltiple regression analysis, showed that the environmental variable that accounts for the observed biological patterns, was coverage cobble, explaining 45.1 % the variance of the biological data (r² = 0.44 P < 0.05).

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine the species richness of all the possible taxa of free-living benthic marine invertebrates in Chile. In addition, the extent of endemism to the Pacific Islands and deep-sea, the number of non-indigenous species, and the contribution that the Chilean benthic marine invertebrate fauna makes to the world benthic marine invertebrate fauna was examined. A total of 4,553 species were found. The most speciose taxa were the Crustacea, Mollusca and Polychaeta. Species richness data was not available for a number of taxa, despite evidence that these taxa are present in the Chilean benthos. The Chilean marine invertebrate benthic fauna constitutes 2.47 % of the world marine invertebrate benthic fauna. There are 599 species endemic to the Pacific Islands and 205 in the deep-sea. There are 25 invasive or non-indigenous species so far identified in Chile. Though the Chilean fauna is speciose there is still a considerable amount of diversity yet to be described, particularly amongst the small bodied invertebrates and from the less well explored habitats, such as the deep-seaSe realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura para determinar la riqueza de especies de todos los taxa de invertebrados bentónicos de vida libre en Chile. Además, se analizó el endemismo de invertebrados marinos bentónicos para las islas chilenas del Pacífico y el mar profundo y el número de especies no indígenas; del mismo modo que la contribución de estos invertebrados a la riqueza mundial de invertebrados bentónicos marinos. Para Chile se acumuló un total de 4.553 especies de invertebrados bentónicos. Los taxa con más especies fueron Crustacea, Mollusca y Polychaeta. En algunos taxa de invertebrados no se encontró información sobre la diversidad de especies presentes en Chile, a pesar de existir evidencia de que éstos están presentes en el bentos marino chileno. Los invertebrados bentónicos marinos chilenos contribuyen con el 2,47 % de la riqueza mundial de dichos invertebrados. Se encontraron 599 especies endémicas de las islas chilenas del Pacífico y 205 especies endémicas para el mar profundo. Hasta ahora en Chile se han identificado sólo 25 especies invasoras de invertebrados bentónicos marinos. Los invertebrados bentónicos marinos chilenos son diversos, pero aún hay especies no descritas, especialmente dentro de los invertebrados bentónicos de pequeño tamaño corporal que se encuentran en habitat poco explorados, como por ejemplo el mar profundo

The tip of the South American cone is one of the most interesting Subantarctic areas, both biogeographically and ecologically. Nonetheless, knowledge of the area's biodiversity, in particular that of the subtidal marine habitats, remains poor. Therefore, in 2004, a biodiversity research project was carried out as a part of the cruise Cimar-10 Fjords, organized and supported by the Chilean National Oceanographic Committee (CONA). The results of the subtidal marine mollusk surveys are presented herein. The samples were collected aboard the Agor 60 "Vidal Gormaz" in winter 2004. The study area covered the northern Chilean Patagonia from Seno de Relocanví (41°31'S) to Boca del Guafo (43°49'S), on the continental shelf from 22 to 353 m depth. The Mollusca were collected at 23 sampling sites using an Agassiz trawl. In total, 67 species were recorded: 4% Polyplacophora (Leptochitonidae, Ischnochitonidae), 58% Gastropoda (Lepetidae, Fissurellidae, Trochidae, Turbinidae, Calyptraeidae, Capulidae, Naticidae, Ranellidae, Cerithiopsidae, Epitoniidae, Muricidae, Buccinidae, Columbellidae, Nassariidae, Volutidae, Cancellariidae, Turridae, Pyramidellidae, Acteonidae, Chilinidae), 36% Bivalvia (Nuculidae, Yoldiidae, Malletiidae, Tindariidae, Limopsidae, Phylobryidae, Mytilidae, Pectinidae, Propeamussidae, Lucinidae, Thyasiridae, Neoleptonidae, Carditidae, Condylocardiidae, Veneridae, Tellinidae, Lyonsiidae, Pandoridae, Cuspidariidae), and 1% Scaphopoda (Rhabdidae). Our results show a high proportion of southern (Magellanic) subtidal species; 45 species (67%) are strictly Magellanic or Antarctic and another 16 (24%) were widespread species, with distributions extending to the south of our study area. Only six species (9%) were strictly Peruvian.El extremo sur de Sudamérica representa una de las áreas subantárticas más interesantes desde un punto de vista ecológico y biogeográñco. A pesar de ello, el conocimiento que se tiene sobre la biodiversidad del área, y en particular de los habitats marinos submareales, es relativamente pobre. En el año 2004 se realizó un proyecto de investigación sobre biodiversidad como parte del crucero Fiordos Cimar-10, organizado y financiado por el Comité Oceanógrafico Nacional de Chile (CONA). En este artículo se describen los resultados obtenidos sobre de los moluscos submareales. Las muestras fueron obtenidas en el invierno del 2004, a bordo del buque Agor 60 "Vidal Gormaz". El área de estudio se localizó en el extremo norte de la Patagonia chilena, desde el Seno de Relocanví (41 °31' S) hasta la Boca del Guafo (43°49'S), en la plataforma continental comprendida entre 22 y 353 m de profundidad. Los moluscos fueron recolectados en 23 estaciones de muestreo empleando una rastra Agassiz. Se registró un total de 67 especies, consistentes en 4% Polyplacophora (Leptochitonidae, Ischnochitonidae), 58% Gastropoda (Lepetidae, Fissurellidae, Trochidae, Turbinidae, Calyptraeidae, Capulidae, Naticidae, Ranellidae, Cerithiopsidae, Epitoniidae, Muricidae, Buccinidae, Columbellidae, Nassariidae, Volutidae, Cancellariidae, Turridae, Pyramidellidae, Acteonidae, Chilinidae), 36% Bivalvia (Nuculidae, Yoldiidae, Malletiidae, Tindariidae, Limopsidae, Phylobryidae, Mytilidae, Pectinidae, Propeamussidae, Lucinidae, Thyasiridae, Neoleptonidae, Carditidae, Condylocardiidae, Veneridae, Tellinidae, Lyonsiidae, Pandoridae, Cuspidariidae) y 1% Scaphopoda (Rhabdidae). Nuestros resultados muestran que las especies submareales presentan una elevada proporción con carácter austral (magallámco). Del total de 67 taxa registrados, 45 especies son estrictamente magallámcas o antarticas (67%) y 16 presentan una amplia área de distribución que se extiende al sur del área de estudio (24%). Sólo seis de las especies (9%) son estrictamente de la provincia biogeográfica peruana.

Se estudiaron las comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentónicos de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Aysén (44°45' -46°15'S; 71°00' - 73°00'W). Semuestreó en 14 estaciones que se distribuyeron en las diferentes subcuencas intentado cubrir la mayor variabilidad del paisaje fluvial. Los muéstreos de macroinvertebrados se realizaron empleando una red Surber. En cada sitio se cuantificaron parámetros fisico-químicos de la columna de agua (pH, conductividad eléctrica, sólidos disueltos, temperatura y oxígeno disuelto), además de parámetros físicos del río (orden del río, pendiente, ancho, profundidad media, velocidad media, tipología de la vegetación ribereña y substrato). Se identificó un total de 59 taxa, la mayor parte de los cuales correspondió a estados inmaduros de insectos (83%). Dentro de éstos, los grupos más diversos fueron los órdenes Plecoptera (19 taxa), Ephemeroptera (14 taxa) y Trichoptera (10 taxa). Los análisis de clasificación y ordenación de estaciones realizados con los datos de abundancia, permitieron reconocer cinco grupos de estaciones estadísticamente diferenciados (PThebenthic macroinvertebrate communities of the Aysén River Basin were studied (44°4 5' - 46°15'S; 71°00' - 73°00'W). The samples were obtained from 14 sites distributed in the different subbasins to cover the largest variability in the fluvial landscape. The samplings of macroinvertebrates were carried out using a Surber sampler. In each place physical-chemical parameters of the water column were quantified (pH, electric conductivity, dissolved solids, temperature and dissolved oxygen). Physical parameters of the river were also considered (order of the river, slope, width, depth, current velocity, riverside typology, riparian vegetation and substratum). A total of 59 taxa were identified, most of which corresponded to immature states of insects (83%). The most diverse groups of insects were Plecoptera (19 taxa), Ephemeroptera (14 taxa) and Trichoptera (10 taxa). The classification and ordination analyses of stations carried out with the abundance data, allowed to recognize five groups of stations statistically different (P

De acuerdo a la literatura, los gastrópodos dulceacuícolas chilenos están compuestos por 73 especies, i.e., 30 spp. de Chilinidae (género Chilina Gray 1828), 4 spp. de Physidae (género Physa Draparnaud 1801), 5 spp. de Lymnaeidae (género Lymnaea Lamarck 1799), 7 spp. de Planorbidae (género Biomphalaria Preston 1910), 5 spp. de Ancylidae (género Anisancylus Pilsbry 1924 y Uncancylus Pilsbry 1913), y 22 spp. de Hydrobiidae (género Potamolithus Pilsbry 1896 y Littoridina Souleyet 1852). La distribución del conjunto de especies de gastrópodos se extiende desde Arica en el norte hasta Magallanes en el sur. Sin embargo, la mayor parte de las especies tiene su rango geográfico restringido a una o unas pocas cuencas hidrográficas contiguas a lo largo del gradiente latitudinal. La mayor concentración de especies de gastrópodos se localiza entre las regiones administrativas VII y X. Actualmente existe una importante falta de conocimiento en relación a la taxonomía, biología, ecología, biogeografía y estado de conservación de prácticamente todas las especies de gastrópodos dulceacuícolas chilenos.According to literature, the Chilean freshwater gastropoda is currently composed by 73 species, i.e., 30 spp. of Chilinidae (genus Chilina Gray 1828), 4 spp. of Physidae (genus Physa Draparnaud 1801), 5 spp. of Lymnaeidae (genus Lymnaea Lamarck 1799), 7 spp. of Planorbidae (genus Biomphalaria Preston 1910), 5 spp. of Ancylidae (genus Anisancylus Pilsbry 1924 and Uncancylus Pilsbry 1913), and 22 spp. of Hydrobiidae (genus Potamolithus Pilsbry 1896 and Littoridina Souleyet 1852). The distribution of the set of species of gastropods spans from Arica in the north to Magallanes in the far south. However, most species have a restricted geographic range, comprising one or a few hydrographical contiguous basins along the latitudinal gradient. The largest concentration of gastropods species is found between the VII and X administrative Regions. An important lack of knowledge exist in relation to the taxonomy, biology, ecology, biogeography and conservation state of practically all the species of Chilean freshwater gastropods.

Taxonomically, the Mollusca of the southern end of South America are moderately well known, but the literature is scattered, there is little information on their habitats, and distributional records are scarce for the Chilean archipelago lying between Chiloé Island (42° S) and Tierra del Fuego (55° S). Although much is known about the biology and ecology of of some species of Nacellidae, the taxonomy of the group have been partially neglected, particularly in remote areas of the world such as the Chilean fjords. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the nomenclatural status, and establish the morphological characteristics and distribution of the Chilean Nacellidae. Especially, the following three objectives are pursued: (i) to clarify the correct identity of existing species; (ii) to describe of morphological details, highlighting the clear diagnostic characters of each species, and (iii) to delimitate and discuss their geographical range in Chile. The examination of the Nacellidae of the Chilean fiords has resulted in the recognition of one species of Nacella (Nacella) and seven species of Nacella (Patinigera), wherein the principal specific differences are in the shell (shape, thickness and color) and in radular teeth morphology. The genus Nacella and its subgenus Patinigera are cold-water limpets, and are exclusively inhabitants of Subantarctic and Antarctic waters. The greater part of their range being subantarctic, but extending to the Antarctic by way of the Scotia Arc, and also ranging northward up the Chilean coast to at least Valparaiso at 33° S (only N. (P.) clypeater). They apparently have their centre of distribution in the Magellanic Province of southern South America, corresponding to an area with a high degree of diversification (N. (N.) mytilina, N. (P.) chiloensis, N. (P.) deaurata, N. (P.) delicatissima, N. (P.) flammea, N. (P.) magellanica, N. (P.) venosa), wherefrom the species tends to spread eastward, with a larval transport probably assisted to a considerable extent by the prevailing West Wind Drift which strongly operates in the Subantarctic ZoneLos moluscos del extremo sur de Sudamérica son desde un punto de vista taxonómico moderadamente bien conocidos. Sin embargo, la literatura está dispersa, hay poca información sobre sus hábitat y son muy pocos los registros distribucionales, particularmente en el área de los fiordos comprendidos entre la Isla de Chiloé (42° S) y Tierra del Fuego (55° S). Aunque se sabe bastante acerca de la biología y ecología de algunas especies de Nacellidae, la taxonomía del grupo ha sido relativamente poco estudiada, particularmente en áreas remotas del planeta, como es el caso de los fiordos chilenos. El interés del presente estudio ha sido clarificar el estatus nomenclatural y describir las características morfológicas y distribuciones de los Nacellidae chilenos. En particular, se plantearon los siguientes objetivos: (i) clarificar la identidad de las especies descritas, (ii) descripción de detalles morfológicos, destacando los caracteres diagnósticos de cada especie, y (iii) delimitación y discusión de sus rangos geográficos. El análisis de los Nacellidae de los fiordos chilenos ha permitido el reconocimiento de una especie de Nacella (Nacella) y siete de N. (Patinigera), cuyas principales diferencias a nivel de especie radican en la concha (forma, espesor y color) y en la morfología de la dentición radular. El género Nacella y su subgénero Patinigera son habitantes exclusivos de aguas antárticas y subantárticas. Estos organismos son lapas de aguas frías fundamentalmente subantárticas, pero que también se extienden hacia la Antártica por el área del Arco de Escocia, y hacia el norte a lo largo de la costa chilena, hasta el área de Valparaíso a 33° S (N. (P.) clypeater). Aparentemente este género tiene su centro de distribución en la Provincia magallánica en el sur de Sudamérica, correspondiendo a un área de elevada diversidad de especies (N. (N.) mytilina, N. (P.) chiloensis, N. (P.) deaurata, N. (P.) delicatissima, N. (P.) flammea, N. (P.) magellanica, N. (P.) venosa), donde las especies tienden a dispersarse hacia el este, con un transporte larval probablemente facilitado por la corriente de deriva del oeste que opera fuertemente en la zona subantártica

Estudios de la biodiversidad existente en la zona intermareal rocosa del centro-sur de Chile, tanto de carácter local como regional, todavía son limitados. Debido a ello, no permiten el reconocimiento de patrones de diversidad a lo largo de la costa con una gran resolución espacial, lo cual es información básica al momento de priorizar áreas para la conservación de la biodiversidad. En este sentido, el objetivo de la presente contribución es estudiar la malacofauna de la zona intermareal rocosa del centro-sur de Chile, en un tramo de 250 km de costa, comprendida entre Punta Pingueral (36° 31'S) y Cabo Tirúa (38° 25'S). Se estudiaron los moluscos de 23 sitios de muestreo, incluyendo las islas Santa María y Mocha. En cada sitio se caracterizó el hábitat rocoso (morfometría, tipo de roca, grado de exposición al oleaje, abundancia de arena intersticial, y área total de la superficie) y se realizaron muestreos exhaustivos de malacofauna en los niveles del intermareal superior, medio e inferior. Se registró un total de 90 especies de moluscos pertenecientes a 29 familias. Del total, el 61,1% son Gastropoda, el 25,6% Bivalvia y 13,3% Polyplacophora. Se discuten aspectos taxonómicos y se presenta una clave de identificación de las especiesStudies of the biodiversity of the rockyshore areas of the center-south of Chile, so much of local character as regional, they are still limited. Due to it, they don't allow the recognition of patterns of diversity along the coast with a great spatial resolution, which is basic information to the moment to prioritize areas for the conservation of the biodiversity. In this sense, the objective of the present contribution was to study the malacofauna of the rockyshore of the center-south of Chile, in a tract of 250 km of coast, among Punta Pingueral (36° 31'S) and Cabo Tirúa (38° 25'S). The mollusks of 23 sampling sites were studied, including the islands Santa María and Mocha. In each site the rocky habitat was characterized (morfometry, rock type, slope, abundance of interstitial sand, and total area of the surface) and out exhaustive samplings of malacofauna were carried (levels superior, medium and inferior of the rockyshores). A total of 90 species of mollusks belonging to 29 families were recorded. Of the total, 61.1% were Gastropoda, 25.6% Bivalvia and 13.3% Polyplacophora. A taxonomical discussion and a key of identification of the species is presented

El sistema fluvial Quilque (orden 3) recibe las descargas de aguas servidas de una población aproximada de 115.000 habitantes y de 19 industrias. Estos residuos se vertían sin tratar directamente al curso del río hasta fines del año 2002, cuando se puso en marcha una planta de tratamiento de aguas servidas. Para analizar los efectos de estas descargas sobre la fauna de peces, se estudió la calidad del agua y estructura comunitaria de la ictiofauna a lo largo de ocho estaciones ubicadas desde aguas arriba de los vertidos hasta 300 m aguas abajo del efluente de la planta de tratamiento. Tanto la calidad del agua como la fauna de peces mostraron una leve mejoría luego de cinco meses de operación de la planta de tratamiento. Aun cuando se redujeron las concentraciones de DBO5, sólidos suspendidos, nitrógeno y coliformes fecales, el río conduce una carga contaminante importante desde aguas arriba y mantiene remanentes en los sedimentos del lecho del río. La ictiofauna se encuentra empobrecida, pero evidencia un proceso de recolonización del sistema, desde las partes altas hacia el tramo inferior que recibía las descargas. Sin embargo, aún se mantienen sectores sin peces, debido a las altas concentraciones de DBO5. Las primeras especies en recolonizar aguas abajo son nativas (Trichomycterus areolatus y Percilia irwini)The Quilque River (3rd order) receives urban wastewater discharge from a population of ca. 115,000 inhabitants and 19 industrial effluents. These residues were discharged without treatment until the end of 2002, when a wastewater treatment plant was constructed. To determine effects of wastewater and industrial effluents on the ichthyofauna, we studied water quality and fish community structure at eight stations distributed from upstream of the areas of the discharge to 300 m downstream of the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant. Both water quality and the fish community showed a slight improvement five months after the treatment plant began operation. Concentrations of BOD5, suspended solids, nitrogen, and fecal coliforms decreased; however, the river contained a significant pollution load from upstream areas, and remnants in the sediments of the riverbed. The fish fauna is impoverished, but there appears to be evidence of a recolonization from upper reaches towards the lower zone receiving the pollution discharges. Areas without fishes still exist due to high concentrations of BOD5. The first species recolonizing the polluted areas are the native fishes Trichomycterus areolatus and Percilia irwini

La Cuenca Hidrográfica del Río Damas (40°39' S, 72°23' O), presenta una intensa actividad agrícola y ganadera en un 78,2 % de su superficie, lo cual se ha traducido en importantes aportes de nutrientes al ecosistema acuático. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: (a) analizar la distribución espacial de la macrofauna bentónica en la cuenca y (b) determinar la viabilidad de utilizar el Índice Biótico de Familias (IBF) para evaluación de la calidad de las aguas. Los muestreos se realizaron en enero de 1998 con una red Surber (0,09 m²), en 15 sitios distribuidos en el curso principal y sus tributarios. Se registró un total de 77 taxa, siendo los grupos más diversos Plecoptera (16 %), Trichoptera (16 %), Diptera (14 %) y Ephemeroptera (12 %). Se observó una marcada tendencia a la disminución de riqueza específica desde la cabecera de la cuenca hacia aguas abajo. Las abundancias, biomasas y el IBF, presentaron una tendencia inversa a la riqueza específica. IBF se correlacionó significativa y positivamente con el fósforo total (r² = 0,71), temperatura (r² = 0,66), nitrito (r² = 0,56), conductividad eléctrica (r² = 0,50), demanda biológica de oxígeno (r² = 0,46) y nitrógeno total (r² = 0,46), y negativamente con oxígeno disuelto (r² = 0,53), variables estrechamente asociadas al uso intensivo de fertilizantes en la cuenca. Los resultados sugieren que el IBF es un buen indicador de la calidad de las aguas de los ríos de cuencas agrícolas y ganaderas del sur de ChileThe Damas River Hydrographic Basin (40°39'S, 72°23' W) presents an intense agricultural and cattle ranching activities in 78.2 % of its surface, which has resulted in important inputs of nutrients into the aquatic ecosystem. The objectives of this study were: (a) to analyze the spatial distribution of the benthic macrofauna in the Damas basin, and (b) to determine the feasibility of using the Families Biotic Index (FBI) for the evaluation of water quality. The samplings were conducted in January 1998 using a Surber net (0.09 m² ) at 15 sites, distributed along the main course of the river and its tributaries. A total of 77 taxa was recorded, being the most diverse Plecoptera (16 %), Trichoptera (16 %), Diptera (14 %) and Ephemeroptera (12 %). A marked tendency to a decrease of specific richness was observed from the head of the basin towards downstream. The abundance, biomass and FBI presented an inverse trend to the species richness. The FBI was significantly and positively correlated with total phosphorous (r² = 0.71), temperature (r² = 0.66), nitrite (r² = 0.56), electrical conductivity (r² = 0.50), biological oxygen demand (r² = 0.46) and total nitrogen (r² = 0.46) and negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen (r² = 0.53). All of these variables are closely associated with the intense use of fertilizers in the basin. The results obtained suggest that the FBI is an appropriate indicator for determining the water quality of rivers of agricultural and cattle ranching basins in southern Chile

Leaf litter input from riparian landscapes has been identified as both a major energy flow to stream ecosystems and as a food source for stream macroinvertebrates. In riparian landscapes of woodland streams of central Chile, the native deciduous hardwoods are being artificially replaced by exotic coniferous trees at a large spatial scale. It is suggested that this process has a significant impact on the stream communities of central Chile. Today, exotic plantations occur throughout central Chile, with Pinus radiata (D. Don) (Monterrey pine) accounting for about 80 % of the more than 1,800,000 ha of exotic forests. The objective of this paper was to analyze the effect of the litter beds of a dominant native species (Nothofagus pumilio) and an exotic species (P. radiata) on the detritus processing carried out by benthic macroinvertebrates, in an experimental catchment of central Chile (Rucúe Creek; 36° 26'00" S, 71° 35'40" W). Results revealed that processing rates of native leaf packs are higher than rates of coniferous leaf packs, suggesting that the replacement of the native hardwoods by exotic coniferous riparian flora has an important impact on the stream energy flow in central Chile. The decay rate coefficients (k) were 0.0072 for N. pumilio, and 0.0027 for P. radiata. The greater abundance and biomass of shredders per gram of leaf pack of native Nothofagus would explain the differences in leaf processing rates, especially through the activity of two Plecoptera Gripopterygidae, Limnoperla jaffueli and Antarctoperla michaelseniLa entrada de detritus foliar procedente de áreas riparianas ha sido reconocido como un componente importante en la energética de ecosistemas fluviales y como fuente de alimento de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. En áreas riparianas de esteros boscosos de Chile central los componentes nativos caducifolios están siendo artificialmente reemplazados a gran escala por coníferas exóticas, sugiriendo que este proceso tiene un importante impacto sobre las características energéticas de las comunidades fluviales de Chile central. Actualmente, los bosques exóticos existentes en esta área están compuestos principalmente por Pinus radiata (D. Don) (pino insigne), llegando a cerca. del 80 % de las más de 1.800.000 ha de plantaciones forestales. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el efecto de camadas de hojas de una especie nativa dominante (Nothofagus pumilio) y una especie exótica (P. radiata) sobre el procesamiento de detritus realizado por macroinvertebrados bentónicos, en una cuenca experimental de Chile central (estero Rucúe; 36° 20' 00" S, 71° 47'40" O). Los resultados muestran que las tasas de procesamiento de los paquetes de hojas de la especie nativa son superiores a la exótica, sugiriendo que la sustitución de la flora nativa caducifolia por coníferas exóticas tiene un importante impacto sobre los componentes energéticos de los ecosistemas fluviales de Chile central. Los coeficientes de pérdida (k) fueron 0,0072 para N. pumilio y 0,0027 para P. radiata. La abundancia y biomasa de fragmentadores por gramo de paquete de hojas explican las diferencias en las tasas de procesamiento de hojas, especialmente dos plecópteros Gripopterygidae, Limnoperla jaffueli y Antarctoperla michaelseni

En un sistema léntico los cambios en los niveles de trofía normalmente están acompañados de cambios estructurales en la biota. Una de las formas de establecer estos cambios estructurales en forma simple es a través de una evaluación rápida de la biodiversidad, realizada basándose en la discriminación de morfoespecies, sin tener que profundizar las identificaciones taxonómicas a niveles de género y especie. Se evaluó la biodiversidad de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentónicos de cinco lagos de la VIII Región de Chile (Chica y Grande de San Pedro, Lleu-Lleu, Quiñenco y Lanalhue), y se discute su asociación a distintos niveles de trofía. Se registró un total de 44 morfoespecies, la mayoría de los cuales corresponden a larvas de Insecta (39%), Acari (25%) y "otros taxa" (35%), incluyendo Annelida, Mollusca, Crustacea y Platyhelminthes. El número de morfoespecies fue similar a la de otros lagos temperados sudamericanos. Los datos sugieren que la abundancia de Acari se incrementa desde la oligotrofía a la eutrofia, pudiendo ser potenciales bioindicadores en lagos de Chile centralIn a lentic ecosystem the trophic levels are usually accompanied by structural changes in the biota. One of the ways to establish such changes in a short time is the rapid biodiversity assessment, based on the discrimination of morphospecies instead of the identification of the genera and species levels. We evaluated the biodiversity of the benthic community of five lakes of the VIII Region of Chile (Chica y Grande de San Pedro, Lleu-Lleu, Quiñenco y Lanalhue), and we discuss its association with distinct trophic levels. A total of 44 morphospecies were recorded, and found that the majority of them corresponded to Insecta larvae (39%), Acari (25%), and "other taxa" (35%), including Annelida, Crustacea, Mollusca and Platyhelminthes. The number of morphospecies was similar to other South American temperate lakes. The data suggest that the abundance of Acari is incremented from oligotrophy to eutrophy, suggesting that they are potential bioindicators in lakes of central Chile

Abstract This article presents the first compilation of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) of algae and macro-invertebrates invading Chilean waters. A total of 32 cosmopolitan and non-cosmopolitan species are reported. Among them there are six species considered as extending their southern range of distribution in connection with El Nio events. The article highlights negative and positive impacts caused by marine NIS invasions. Among the first are Codium fragile var. tomentosoide, considered as a pest in Gracilaria chilensis aquaculture facilities in northern Chile, and Ciona intestinalis, a pest in scallop aquaculture installations. Among the second are bio-engineers species, such as the ascidian Pyura praeputialis and the sea grass Heterozostera tasmanica, which have caused an increase in local biodiversity and enhancement of nursery grounds via the creation of new habitats. Further more, invaders such as the algae Mastocarpus papillosus, Porphyra linearis and P. pseudolinearis represent new exploitable resources, extracted by coastal food gatherers along the coast (M. papillosus) or potential species to develop aquaculture. Additional information is presented on the anemone Anemonia alicemartinae, which appears to be a native species (?), having shown in the past 4050 years, a geographical southward range extension of approximately 1900 km. The number of NIS reported for Chile is compared with those published for the southwestern Atlantic, South Africa, North America (Atlantic and Pacific coasts) and New Zealand. It is suggested that probably the low number of Chilean NIS is due to the fact that the Chilean coasts are environmentally less stressed than other coasts in the world, due to the scarcity of estuaries, gulfs, enclosed bays, lagoons and low human populations. These kinds of sheltered areas have been suggested as centers for bio-invasions, due to the high rate of human-mediated transfer and increase of pollutants. Furthermore, none of NIS reported from Chile show a fast geographical expansion rate (exception of A. alicemartinae), nor invading strategies such as those described for marine NIS in other latitudes, where notorious ecological unbalances following invasions have been observed. An alternative hypothesis is that the low number of marine NIS invading Chile is underestimated, since the modern list of species generated through specific taxonomically intensive port and harbor surveys is still lacking. Fifteen species (five invertebrate and 10 fish) have been deliberately imported to Chile for aquaculture. The invertebrates appear to be controlled within aquaculture facilities and have not established naturalized populations or caused direct ecological impacts on local communities. On the contrary, several millions of salmoniforms (and rainbow trout) have escaped from farming facilities in southern Chile and established naturalized populations. Studies on ecological impacts are lacking. These escapees are also playing a role in the enhancement of artisanal and sport fishery activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coseismic uplift, as caused by high-magnitude earthquakes, can modify shoreline morphologies and the functioning of coastal wetlands. This phenomenon occurred with the 8.8-Richter scale earthquake that affected central-south Chile in 2010. The recorded coseismic uplift was 1.6 m.a.s.l. significantly changed the Tubul-Raqui Saltmarsh. The most important impact of this event was decreased marine intrusion, which, in turn, led to desiccation within the saltmarsh and, consequently, the death of aquatic organisms. This study recorded the effects that physical/chemical changes in water quality and the sedimentary environment had on the macrobenthic community (>500 μm) 2, 6, and 10 months after the uplift event, with data compared against historical records. Non-metric multidimensional scaling evaluated changes in the biological community, while principal components analysis was used to assess environmental changes. Both matrices were adjusted through correlation. Significant pre-versus post-earthquake modifications were found at sites closest to the estuary inlet. The most significantly affected macroinvertebrate was Paracorophium hartmannorum. The most tolerant taxa to environmental perturbations (i.e., Diptera, Annelid, and Polychaeta) surpassed pre-earthquake abundance records after just ten months, whereas the most sensitive taxa were not found after the earthquake. Most (81.8%) variables of water quality (i.e., total suspended/inorganic/organic solids and chlorophyll-a), as well as the sedimentary environment (i.e., sediment redox potential, fine fraction, and area of emerged bed), were significantly correlated with the macrobenthic community. The results of this study show the resilience capacity of important components of a saltmarsh after a major natural disturbance. Image 1 • Large earthquakes can generate coseismic uplifting. • Saltmarshes can be significantly affected due to decreased marine intrusion. • Effects are measured with environmental bioindicators, e.g. benthic macroinvertebrates. • Post-event, tolerant species increase in abundance while intolerant species disappear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]