Links between anthropogenic perturbations and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in Afromontane forest streams in Uganda
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hydrobiologia
Abstract
Relationships between environmental variables and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were investigated
among several sites that varied in disturbance history in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an
Afromontane site in East Africa. Environmental variables were correlated with the level of past catchment
disturbance – logging, agricultural encroachment, and present tourism activity. For example, sites in
medium and high disturbance categories had higher values of specific conductance and lower water
transparency than low disturbance category sites, these environmental variables may therefore act indicators
of ecological quality of rivers. Environmental variables such as conductivity and water transparency
were found to be good predictors of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, with anthropogenically
stressed sites having lower diversity than the reference sites. Impacted sites were dominated by tolerant taxa
such as chironomid and leeches, while ‘clean water’ taxa such as Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera
dominated at minimally impacted sites. Comparison of sites with different disturbance histories
provided evidence for differences in benthic macroinvertebrate communities that reflect the state of forest
restoration and recovery. We recommend quarterly monitoring of water quality to act as an early warning
system of deterioration and tracking ecological recovery of previously impacted sites.
Description
Keywords
environmental variables, macroinvertebrate assemblages, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Citation
Kasangaki, A., Babaasa, D., Efitre, J., McNeilage, A., & Bitariho, R. (2006). Links between anthropogenic perturbations and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in Afromontane forest streams in Uganda. Hydrobiologia, 563(1), 231-245.DOI 10.1007/s10750-005-0009-8