Current knowledge concerning distribution of freshwater planktonic, littoral and benthic Rotifera and microcrustacea (Cladocera, Copepoda and Ostracoda) in Central America and the Caribbean

Central America and the Caribbean, at the northern limit of the Neotropical region, is made up of a narrow strip of land and numerous islands, with a complex geological history, represents an important biogeographic connection between North and South America and contains diverse freshwater environments, including high mountain and lowlands lakes and wetlands. We examined literature reports and databases for freshwater planktonic, benthic and littoral Rotifera and microcrustacea distribution in the area in order to update, unify and summarize disparate information that has accumulated since Collado et al.’s initial contribution in 1984 that listed 369 specific and infraspecific taxa. We used the most common databases and keywords to locate papers on Rotifera, Cladocera, Ostracoda and Copepoda and found 457 new records from more than 200 study sites that list 92 genera and 782 species, as well as over 30 infraspecific taxa, for the region. These included 84%, 53%, 37% and 21% respectively, of known neotropical species of these groups. Analysis using the Sorensen-Dice Similarity Index showed high heterogeneity in species composition for the area and hierarchical clustering suggests three groups for the Caribbean islands. Lack of resources has hindered the formal publication of research. We conclude that a collaborative effort is needed to produce scientists capable of combining taxonomic information with ecological studies to enhance understanding of anthropogenic impacts on water resources.