Planktonic rotifers were examined from April to October 2007 in two ponds created by sand extraction: Hubertus III (infrequently used for recreation)—pond I and Stawiki (commonly used for recreation)—pond II. The ponds are located within the protected Landscape Complex “Szopienice-Borki” in Silesian Upland (SW Poland). A total number of 58 taxa of rotifers were noted. The number of rotifer species and their densities were smaller in pond I than in pond II. In pond I, Polyarthra species were the most abundant, accounting for 48% of total rotifer density, whereas in pond II, Keratella cochlearis reached the highest density (accounting for 36% of total density). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between communities of rotifers in species diversity (F = 5.88, p = 0.02) and species richness (F = 5.57, p = 0.03). The research proved that the pond commonly used for recreation (pond II) is characterized by a higher trophic state. Results of this study indicate that the methods and range of use of water bodies by humans have an important influence on the species richness and diversity of communities of planktonic rotifers.
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