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1. Hydroregime (duration, frequency and predictability of the aquatic phase) is a key feature of temporary aquatic habitats that not only moulds community structure and diversity (species sorting) but also life history characteristics of the inhabitants (natural selection). However, since hydroregime is a complex multidimensional entity that cannot be estimated from short term observations, morphometric variables are commonly used as proxies for hydroregime, making it impossible to separate effects of habitat size and hydroregime on biota.

2. We have used a simple hydrological model, validated with recent (average r² = 96%) and historic water level observations (average r² = 81%), to accurately reconstruct hydroregime based on historical rainfall and evaporation data in a cluster of 36 temporary rock pools in central South Africa.

3. Using the model output, we demonstrated that both hydroregime and habitat …