Dolores María Goñi
The order Hemiptera is the fifth order of insects in number of species, and the suborder Heteroptera contains about half of them. The global impact of true bugs is significant and affects almost all aspects of our environment. Their roles as phytophages: suckers of sap, seeds or flowers, predators of invertebrates or hematophages of vertebrates make them indisputably important organisms in the functioning of ecosystems. The search for better understanding of their real diversity is very important, both in the case of harmful or potentially beneficial species, and in the conservation biology. Knowledge of biodiversity in protected areas in Argentina is limited. Comprehensive knowledge of the biodiversity of an area, that is, the species under protection, is essential to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of a protected area.
Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, southern triangle area in spring. ©Dolores María Goñi.
The landscape of Buenos Aires Province has been profoundly modified by agricultural activities and the introduction of exotic species of both animals and plants. This has had a direct effect on regional biodiversity and much of the original fauna and flora of the province only persists in few marginal areas and in areas currently under protection. The interesting areas of Tandilia and Ventana systems have more than 400 species of vascular flora and are rich in endemism (Frangi & Barrera 1996). The hills of Buenos Aires are of special relevance since they retain greater diversity. Likewise, in these areas, the diversity of topography and substrate, plus the differences in the states of local climatic variables, allow us to recognize dissimilar habitats, with which different groups of organisms are linked, according to their tolerance to changes in environmental factors. (Kristensen & Frangi 1995). All this contributes to increasing biodiversity in these areas (Dellapé & Carpintero 2012).
Through the execution of this project, I will study the biodiversity of true bugs in two protected areas of Buenos Aires Province, Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park and Sierras Grandes Natural Reserve. I will be carrying out the first inventory of terrestrial Heteroptera inhabiting these two protected areas. The activities are scheduled when the insects are more active. Another objective of this project is to expand the distribution ranges of known species, to recognize endemic species, and describe still unknown species. With this information, I will be able to analyze the diversity and the assemblages of true bugs within the protected areas, which I think is essential to manage and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Parks.
Header: Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, viewing area in spring. ©Dolores María Goñi.