Aborigho, A.A., O.O. Enabulele, R.G. Nze-Igwe, A.S. Iyanda, O.S. Uwhuseba & J.O. Olomuroro. (2025). Species diversity and abundance of copepods in relation to the physicochemical characteristics of Ozomu Lake, southern Nigeria. Animal Research International. 22(1):6064-6075.

513378

Aborigho, A.A., O.O. Enabulele, R.G. Nze-Igwe, A.S. Iyanda, O.S. Uwhuseba & J.O. Olomuroro

2025

22(1):6064-6075.

Publication

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This research examines how physicochemical factors relate to copepod diversity, composition, and numbers in Ozomu Lake, located in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. The aim is to improve the understanding of the ecological health and dynamics of this freshwater habitat. Monthly samples were taken from June to November using a plankton net with a 64 µm mesh at three different locations. Standard methods were employed to measure important environmental variables. A total of ten copepod species were discovered, including five from the Cyclopoida order and five from Calanoida, totaling 441 individuals. At Station 1, eight species were found with 129 individuals, Station 2 had nine species with 175 individuals, and Station 3 also had nine species with 137 individuals. Analysis using Pearson's correlation revealed significant links between the number of copepods and environmental conditions. Both Cyclopoida and Calanoida displayed strong negative correlations with water temperature (r = 0. 46, r = 0. 97) and significant positive correlations with magnesium levels (r = 0. 99, r = 0. 64, respectively). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted two key components that accounted for 81. 336 and 18. 66% of the variability, shedding light on the vital environmental factors affecting copepod communities. The most common species identified included Eudiaptomus gracilis, Thermodiaptomus galebi, and Mesocyclops bodanicola, while Metacyclops minutus, Tropodiaptomus processifer, and Thermodiaptomus yabensis were less dominant. This detailed study clarifies the intricate relationships between copepod populations and environmental factors in Ozomu Lake, offering essential information for the protection and management of freshwater ecosystems.

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