Supporting of biodiversity in Sahelian arid areas: Case of artificial lakes and macroinvertebrates

Abstract

Protecting biodiversity is one of the challenges for achieving sustainable development. This protection requires a good knowledge of species richness and their habitats. It is why this study was conducted. It aimed to assess the diversity of macroinvertebrates in five artificial waterbodies, in order to determine their role in conserving biodiversity. To do so, macroinvertebrates were collected following multi-habitat sampling method using a standard AQEM/STAR net sampler, 25 cm × 25 cm, 500 µm mesh. The samples were fixed with alcohol (90%) and transported to the laboratory. Once in the laboratory, the organisms were carefully sorted and identified under a binocular microscope using an identification keys. The results showed that artificial ecosystems host a high diversity of macroinvertebrates. A total of 1633 macroinvertebrate specimens were collected, divided into 32 families, 9 orders, 5 classes and 3 phyla. Arthropods were the most abundant and diverse. The highest diversity (22 taxa) was reported in Talanga and Naguio reservoirs, followed by reservoirs of Ziga and Kozougou with 21 taxa, and Naguio had the lowest diversity (18 taxa). In these reservoirs, 72% of constant taxa and 28% of rare taxa were recorded. Artificials waterbodies are the main storage waters in Burkina Faso, and contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity, and supporting local population activities and development. Their suitable management is therefore essential for the preservation of rural socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation.