Southern Appalachian streams at risk: Implications for mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and other aquatic biota

Abstract

1. The Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT; mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly, respectively) faunas of the southern Appalachian Mountains are rich in species, including many endemic species. The species richness is a result of unique geological, climatological, and hydrological features of the region. 2. Humans have impacted, and are impacting, the stream faunas in several significant ways, primarily through air pollution (with acid precipitation), introduction of exotic forest pests, impoundments (ponds and reservoirs), sedimentation (from road building, development, deforestation, farming), toxic substances (industrial effluent, agricultural and golf course insecticides), and organic enrichment (agricultural and golf course fertilizers, trout farm effluent). 3. Nineteen species of Bphemeroptera, 17 species of Plecoptera and 38 species of Trichoptera are identified as examples that are probably rare and vulnerable to extirpation in the southern Appalachian Mountains. 4. The task of saving the streams and their biotas from further degradation will require thoughtful public discourse and thorough baseline and long-term research efforts.