Abstract
This study attempts to provide an overview of the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of Yousmarg streams. For studying the distribution of macroinvertebrate assemblages in the two streams, that is, Doodganga and Khanshah manshah canal, a total of 4 study sites were selected. During the period of investigation, 24 species of macrozoobenthos in Yousmarg streams were recorded. Arthropoda was found to be the most dominant group, comprising of 23 species followed by Annelida with 1 species. The phylum Arthropoda was represented by class Insecta (5 orders) and Crustacea (1 orders). The diversity of benthic invertebrates was high in Doodhganga stream (21 taxa) as compared to Khanshah-manshah canal (18 taxa). An inter-site comparison revealed maximum mean population density for Doodhganga stream as compared to Khanshah-manshah canal. Besides, it was observed that boulders and cobbles provided a stable habitat for macroinvertebrates dwelling. Also, greater diversity in the summers as against winters was recorded in both the streams. On the basis of the biotic indices, the Doodhganga stream is being adjudged pristine with no organic pollution, however slight organic pollution in Khanshah–manshah canal was recorded. Key words: Kashmir Himalayas, benthic macroinvertebrates, Diversity
Highlights
Unlike the earlier studies wherein the stream ecologists considered river channels to be relative biological deserts (Percival, 1932) with communities characterized by low species diversity and dominated by a few common, generalist species (Scrimgeour and Winterbourn, 1989), the contemporary research studies have shown the pivotal role played by the aquatic species in the energy-pathways but a host of more applied research have revealed the importance of aquatic insects in the spread of diseases, in the biological assessment of water quality, and in the reconstruction of past environments on earth (Willams and Feltmate, 1992)
In recent years, applied ecologists have recognized the utility of biological monitoring, with particular attention given to survey designed to sample benthic macroinvertebrates (Rosenberg and Resh, 1993)
The study was initiated with an objective to assess the benthic macroinvertebrate community of Doodhganga stream and Khanshah manshah canal
Summary
Unlike the earlier studies wherein the stream ecologists considered river channels to be relative biological deserts (Percival, 1932) with communities characterized by low species diversity and dominated by a few common, generalist species (Scrimgeour and Winterbourn, 1989), the contemporary research studies have shown the pivotal role played by the aquatic species in the energy-pathways but a host of more applied research have revealed the importance of aquatic insects in the spread of diseases, in the biological assessment of water quality, and in the reconstruction of past environments on earth (Willams and Feltmate, 1992). Macroinvertebrate communities being integral components of freshwater ecosystems influence sediment and bottom-water chemistry (Aller, 1980), alter sediment organic content (Pearson and Rosenberg, 1978) and structure (Rhoads and Boyer, 1982) and serve as major prey species for crustaceans and fish (Virnstein, 1977). Unlike chemical data, which provides water quality information at a discrete point in time, the biological organisms are long-term indicators of environmental stressors. Macroinvertebrates are more effective than chemical methods for detecting non-point source pollution. In part, this is because of the spectrum of taxaspecific responses among invertebrates to environmental stressors and their long-term response to these factors
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