AMI-KMNP dataset: records of aquatic macroinvertebrates from SE Hungary

Study Extent

The dataset is based on a 10-year-long study surveying different sub-units within the operational area of the Körös-Maros National Park Directorate, as follows (number of sampling sites related to each sub-unit is given in bracket after the name of sub-unit): Csanádi puszta (26), Hortobágy-Berettyó River (16), Kardoskút puszta (53), Kurca (20), Mágocs-ér (21), Maros River (36), Nagy-gyep (24), Körös River System (183) and Száraz-ér (95). In total, 25,935 occurrence data from 625 sampling locations in Southeast Hungary were presented. Data are related to rivers, backwaters, smaller watercourses, and several unique habitats such as soda pans, salt marshes, and lowland fens.

Sampling

The dataset contains records derived from samples taken using quantitative and qualitative sampling methods. In most cases, we used qualitative methods, which were as follows, in descending order according to the frequency of their application. 1) pond netting: sweeping with a 1,5 m-long-handled pond net (mesh size 1 or 0.5 mm) just above the substrate, on the water surface, and among the submerged or emergent vegetation). 2) In flowing waters “kick and sweep” technique was applied (standing backwards to the direction of the flow, stirring up the sediment by kicking, and sweeping with the net). 3) Several organisms were captured by manual picking from surface of submerged stones, woodstocks, and other submerged objects. 4) Floating chironomid pupal exuviae were collected from the water surface and floating debris using a hand-net and a plastic tray. 5) In case of species that were identifiable in situ during the fieldwork (dragonflies, large snails, bivalves, beetles, bugs, spiders), observational records were also taken into consideration (based on visual perception and/or photographs taken). 6) In some cases, mostly in fens and marshes, to capture larger diving beetles more effectively, baited bottle traps were also used. All above mentioned sampling methods were combined in according to the nature of the habitats, and samplings were performed by three up to six persons simultaneously for at least 30 minutes/site, usually longer, ensuring that as many species as possible are found. As quantitative techniques, 7) in medium-sized rivers deep water dredging was performed using a triangle-shaped, serrated dredge sampling device with a 1 m long 0.5 mm mesh-sized bag. Using a motorboat, the device was towed the same distance in the upstream direction on the bottom of the river at each site. 8) In case of larger rivers, dragonfly exuviae were collected along a 20-meter-long stretch of the riverbank. The riverside ground and the vegetation were searched intensively for the exuviae in an area of the bank 5–10 meter in width (depending on the bank characteristics). 9) In case of a soda pan, quantitative sampling was performed using a close-and-harvest method. We closed an area with a bottomless, half-meter-diameter barrel, and all the animals found inside captured with a pond net.

Quality Control

Quality control for geographic data: Reliability of coordinates was checked in Google maps to identify the correctness of sites. Geographic coordinate format, coordinates within county boundaries in the dataset were also double checked. Quality control for taxonomic data: Professional experience of experts was applied as quality controls on dataset. Nomenclature validation was based on the GBIF taxonomic backbone.

Method steps

1. not relevant

Dataset contains aquatic macroinvertebrates species record of freshwater sponge, mollusks (snails and bivalves), leeches, malacostracan crustaceans, water spider, mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, aquatic and semiaquatic bugs, aquatic beetles, alderflies, sponge flies, caddisflies, black flies, mosquitoes, ibis flies and non-biting midges.

1. Amphipoda
   rank: order
2. Diptera
   rank: order
3. Coleoptera
   rank: order
4. Odonata
   rank: order
5. Trichoptera
   rank: order
6. Hemiptera
   rank: order
7. Ephemeroptera
   rank: order
8. Megaloptera
   rank: order
9. Insecta
   rank: class
10. Gastropoda
    rank: class
11. Hirudinea
    rank: class
12. Bivalvia
    rank: class
13. Malacostraca
    rank: class
14. Arthropoda
    rank: phylum
15. Mollusca
    rank: phylum
16. Annelida
    rank: phylum
17. Porifera
    rank: phylum
18. Neuroptera
    rank: order
19. Arachnida
    rank: class

Europe; Hungary; County of Békés, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Csongrád-Csanád; Jurisdiction area of Körös-Maros National Park