Cladoceran diversity build-up in newly created pondscapes

Abstract Pondscapes, networks of closely situated ponds within a landscape, can provide important habitat for freshwater biodiversity and are increasingly considered to be valuable elements in nature restoration. Understanding how communities build up in newly created pondscapes is important for improving pond creation as a restoration tool. This study aimed to identify the main drivers of cladoceran species richness build-up and species accumulation patterns in newly created pondscapes. A total of 26 newly created ponds across two newly established pondscapes were surveyed repeatedly ( n = 11) for environmental pond variables and cladoceran community characteristics during the first three years after their creation. The study ponds varied in surface area, maximum depth and hydroperiod, ranging from permanent to temporary systems. In total, 16 cladoceran species colonized the ponds within three years. Consistent with previous research, Daphnia obtusa was the first species to colonize ponds in both pondscapes. Macrophyte establishment seems to be the most important local factor influencing species accumulation, with vegetated ponds showing faster accumulation, likely because later-arriving cladoceran taxa are associated with macrophytes. Our observations highlight the role of macrophyte establishment during early pond succession and offer insights for designing resilient pondscapes that support effective freshwater biodiversity build-up.