Spatio-Temporal Comparison of Springs in the Southern Swiss Alps—Implications for Spring Conservation

Springs are environmentally stable habitats that are refugia for specialized species. Springs at Monte Generoso, Monte Bar, and Monte Tamaro in the southern Swiss Alps were investigated to understand how they are affected by human activities and environmental changes. We conducted (a) a temporal comparison of five springs at Monte Generoso, which were first sampled in 2011 and re-sampled in 2023 and (b) a spatial comparison of 19 springs of the three mountains. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, ecomorphology and anthropogenic impacts were evaluated, and macroinvertebrates were sampled. Springs at Monte Generoso changed along a temperature gradient. EPT-taxa shifted towards euryoecious taxa owing to environmental changes. The spatial comparison showed differences between the mountain summits driven by electrical conductivity and water temperature. These differences were mainly evident for Crenobia alpina and in the occurrence of Niphargus cf. thuringius in Bar and Tamaro as well as Drusus alpinus in Tamaro. Springs at Monte Generoso were the least diverse and exhibited the highest water temperature, possibly owing to the higher utilization pressure. Spring specialists were present even in heavily modified springs. This spatio-temporal analysis provided insights into the pressure on springs in the southern Swiss Alps, emphasizing the importance of a site-specific protection of these precious habitats.