Aquatic invertebrate species of concern on USFS Northern Region lands /

Stagliano, David M.; Stephens, George R.; Bosworth, William R.

doi:10.5962/bhl.title.57779

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…A single species of Diamesa and a species of Chaetocladius genus were only found close to the glacier margins in that survey, suggesting that these species could be threatened by glacial retreat. In the present study, however, we could not identify any taxa that seemed to be restricted to glacier-fed streams, as has been shown in locations such as Montana, USA (Stagliano et al 2007, Muhlfeld et al 2011, the Pyrenées (Brown et al 2007), and Ecuador , but this again may be related to our relatively coarse-level taxonomic resolution, particularly with respect to the chironomids, or long distances from the glaciers that characterize most of our samples sites. More research is needed to examine the endemic species in Tibetan glacier-fed streams to confirm this.…”

Section: Glacial Influence and Macroinvertebrate Assemblagescontrasting

confidence: 59%

Diversity and composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages in high-altitude Tibetan streams

Laursen

Hamerlík

Moltesen

et al. 2015

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Knowledge on the ecology of streams at extreme altitudes is relatively sparse. We conducted a preliminary survey of the macroinvertebrate fauna of Tibetan streams in June 2009 and August 2011 and compared streams with different water sources. We collected quantitative samples of macroinvertebrates and measured physicochemical variables at 16 sites (8 each sampling year) at altitudes ranging from 4315 to 5065 m a.s.l. and grouped the sites into 3 types according to origin: glacier-fed, rain-fed, and lake-outlets. We identified 38 taxa, with a mean of 8.9 taxa per site. Overall the benthic fauna was dominated by insects (71%), mainly Diptera (especially Chironomidae). Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera were found at nearly all sites but mostly in low numbers; however, the fauna was significantly different in the 2 sampling years, especially due to the proportions of Chironomidae (68% in June 2009 and 10% in August 2011) and Baetidae (6% vs. 35%, respectively). The 3 stream types had significantly different faunas. Rain-fed streams had the highest total taxon richness (γ-diversity), but glacier-fed streams had a slightly higher taxon turnover rate (β-diversity). Percent glacial cover in the catchment and water turbidity explained most of the variability in taxon richness. Although not particularly taxon rich compared to other high-altitude streams, the Tibetan stream fauna showed considerable spatial variability. The fast retreat of the glaciers and permanent snow fields in Tibet makes further studies on distribution patterns and driving forces for aquatic biodiversity urgent.

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Section: Glacial Influence and Macroinvertebrate Assemblagescontrasting

confidence: 59%