Benthic macroinvertebrates diversity and quality of water in first-order streams of Badiyar Gad, lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT First-order streams serve as a nursery of macroinvertebrates which act as secondary producers in the aquatic food chain and indicators of water quality. The present investigation conducted on three first-order streams of Badiyar Gad revealed Trichoptera to be the most diverse order followed by Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Lepidoptera, Plecoptera, Hemiptera, Arhynchobdellida, and Decapoda, indicating good water quality for these streams. High density, diversity, and even distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates during the winter season indicated stable ecosystems and healthy water quality. The presence of 35 families and 52 genera indicates a good habitat with numerous ecological niches for the macroinvertebrates. Two genera Maruina and Neophylax were identified as unique in these streams. They have not been previously reported from the Garhwal Himalayan streams.