Freshwater Ecology Research Articles

Using Test Site Analysis and two nearest neighbor models, ANNA and RDA, to assess benthic communities with simulated impacts

Reference Condition Approach bioassessment programs have been in place in the northern and Muskoka regions of Ontario, Canada, for many years. Assessments are carried out regularly to evaluate and monitor the effects of a variety of activities, including mining, forestry, and cottage development. These programs are run by the Co-operative Freshwater Ecology Unit (CFEU) at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Canada, and the Dorset Environmental Science Centre (DESC) in Muskoka, Canada. We applied 2 bioassessment methods used at the CFEU and DESC to 3 data sets that were subjected to simulated impact by nutrient enrichments to compare their performance with a number of other bioassessment methods. We used Assessment by Nearest Neighbour Analysis (ANNA) and a Redundancy Analysis (RDA) variation of ANNA with Test Site Analysis (TSA) to identify subsets of reference sites to compare with a given simulated impact test site based on habitat matching. We compared the benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities and evaluated the differences between the validation and training sites to assess the degree of impairment. After assessing all impacted sites, we calculated Type 1 and Type 2 error rates. ANNA and RDA separated sites with different levels of simulated impact in an Australian data set of diverse benthic macroinvertebrate communities distributed along a habitat gradient. In contrast, our assessments did not perform well with 2 data sets for which the simulation did not behave as expected, perhaps because of impoverished communities.

Moving beyond the guild concept: developing a practical functional trait framework for terrestrial beetles

1. New logical and analytical frameworks for studying functional traits have led to major advances in plant and freshwater ecology at local and global scales. The ecological and taxonomic diversity of terrestrial adult beetles (Coleoptera) means that functional trait approaches should have considerable power to illuminate the function not only of these animals but also of the ecosystems in which they occur.2. Even though the functional trait concept is not new in ecology, it is still plagued with inconsistencies in methodology and terminology. Plant‐based studies have shown that an integrated and relatively consistent functional trait approach facilitates comparisons between studies, and allows the full utility and predictive capacity of trait‐based approaches to be realised.3. This review outlines a logical framework for adult beetle functional trait studies using uniform terminology and methodology similar to those used by plant ecologists. Beetle life‐history and ecomorphological trait studies are synthesised and it is shown that a combination of both is analogous to the functional trait approach. A general functional trait list for beetles and potential functional links is outlined, as are potential analysis approaches. A consistent functional trait approach, coupled with advances in molecular techniques, has the capability to provide deeper insights into beetle community assembly and how beetles impact ecosystems and will enable worldwide comparisons and predictions to be made.

The diet and distribution of Pentacoelum kazukolinda (Kawakatsu & Mitchell, 1984), a maricolan planarian with a freshwater ecology

Among the marine triclads or Maricola, the genus Pentacoelum represents one of the few exceptions in that species occur in brackish water or in freshwater. We examined specimens of a maricolan triclad that externally looked remarkably similar to the continental Spanish representatives of freshwater Pentacoelum hispaniense, albeit that these new samples came from habitats in Germany, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Japan. Comprehensive comparative morphological studies revealed that the animals from these populations are identical to a species described earlier from Hawaii, viz. Oahuhawaiiana kazukolinda Kawakatsu & Mitchell, 1984. It is argued that the species now should be called Pentacoelum kazukolinda (Kawakatsu & Mitchell, 1984) comb. nov. Remarkably, Dutch and German specimens of P. kazukolinda almost completely lack any signs of the presence of the lateral gonopore system, being the defining feature of their taxonomic family, the Bdellouridae. The reason for this reduction or even complete absence of this structure remains obscure. Nonetheless, morphological similarities and 18S rDNA sequences strongly suggest that all animals belong to the same species. Analyses of the mitochondrial gene sequences Cox1 and 16SrDNA of the gut content of P. kazukolinda revealed that the flatworm has a preference for different species of gastropods, while in one population annelids were detected. Our study suggests that gastropods may form the food refuge of P. kazukolinda. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the worldwide distribution of P. kazukolinda may result from human‐mediated transport of the aroid Colocasia esculenta and/or the introduced snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. The use of P. antipodarum as a food resource may have facilitated the spread and establishment of new populations of P. kazukolinda.

Contribution of surface runoff from forested areas to the chemistry of a through-flow lake

The role of surface runoff from forested areas in chemical cycling and freshwater ecology is still not completely understood. Changes in total precipitation and increase in heavy rainfalls may, however, in some regions promote the effect of runoff in aquatic environments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the surface runoff occurring within the wooded catchment area of a through-flow lake (Poland, Europe). Samples were collected over a 2-year period from slopes overgrown by the monoculture of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) or mixed forest dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine. At the same time, the chemical properties of littoral and pelagic zones were analysed. Waters overflowing both slopes were found to have low pH, high colour and relatively high content of dissolved organic carbon and nutrients. Compared to coniferous site, the runoff from mixed forest was represented by significantly higher concentrations of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium ions. The greatest changes of the studied chemical parameters were noted in runoff occurring during heavy rainfall and snow melting (coniferous slope) or after shedding of leaves (the mixed forest slope). Surface runoff was revealed to be less important source of chemical loads in basins with direct river inflow but for more isolated basins it may be a significant factor affecting water quality.

Fluorescent Amines as a New Tool for Study of Siliceous Sponges

Siliceous sponges (Hexactinellida and Demospongiae classes) are aquatic invertebrates which are important both for marine and freshwater ecology and also as the source of biologically active compounds. The sponge skeleton consists of spicules - needle-like or branched composite structures based on silicon dioxide. Mechanisms of silicon assimilation and synthesis of high-ordered glass-like structures at ambient temperatures by sponges are intriguing for biologists, chemists and nanotechnologists. Fluorescent amines are in-vivo dyes that stain growing siliceous frustules of diatom algae so the use of these agents for the sponge study was attempted. We found that cultivation of the Lubomirskia baicalensis (Pallas, 1773) sponge in the presence of fluorescent tracers of biosilica - N1,N3,N3-trimethyl-N1-(7-nitro-2,1,3- benzoxadiazol-4-yl)propane-1,3-diamine and N1,N3-dime thyl-N1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-N3-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benz oxadiazo-4yl)propane-1,3-diamine results in the staining of growing siliceous spicules. This finding shows that amine dyes accompany silicon from the environment to sponges spicules which opens a new way to study of silicon assimilation by sponges. Fluorescent staining of the growing spicules following with the confocal microscopy can be a powerful tool for morphological studies, revealing information about the dynamics of spiculogenesis and for bio-fabrication of new fluorescent materials.

English

During a survey of microorganisms from a disused tin-mining lake in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia, a distinct bacterium producing a purple pigment was isolated. The isolate was characterized by morphological observation, followed by a series of conventional biochemical tests, physiological tests, as well as antibacterial tests, and identified as Chromobactertium violaceum. It was a facultatively anaerobic, motile, Gram-negative bacillus. The identity of this bacterial isolate was verified by a phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA sequence. The ecological, medical, pharmacological and industrial importance of this bacterium with its production of the purple pigment, violacein, was briefly discussed.   Key words: Environmental microbiology, freshwater ecology, opportunistic infection, pigmented bacteria, 16S rRNA gene.

Histological Atlas of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae):Villosa nebulosa(Ambleminae: Lampsilini),Fusconaia cerina(Ambleminae: Pleurobemini) andStrophitus connasaugaensis(Unioninae: Anodontini)

Freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida) are a species-rich group of parasitic bivalves comprising approximately 843 nominal species in six families, including 300 species of Unionidae and five of Margaritiferidae in North America. Unionid shells have been studied extensively for the purposes of taxonomy, but less information exists about the cellular anatomy of their “soft tissues” (mantle cavity tissues and visceral tissues). No systematic histological atlas of any unionid has been published in the peer-reviewed literature, and this lack of information hinders basic and applied research topics involving freshwater mussels. Herein, we describe the tissue and cell anatomy of a representative species from each of three lineages (tribes) of Unionidae sensu Graf & Cummings (2006) ranging in North America: Villosa nebulosa (Ambleminae: Lampsilini), Fusconaia cerina (Ambleminae: Pleurobemini) and Strophitus connasaugaensis (Unioninae: Anodontini). Based on necropsy observations and light microscopy of serial histological sections, for each species we describe and compare mantle cavity tissues (i.e., tissue enclosed by mantle: mantle, adductor muscle, pedal protractor, pedal retractor, gill, foot, labial palp) and visceral organs (i.e., internal organs: esophagus, digestive diverticulum, stomach, crystalline style sac, intestine, heart, nephridium, cerebral ganglia, pedal ganglia, visceral ganglia, ovaries and testes). We also present a synoptical review of pertinent literature on histological anatomy of unionids. The present study (i) represents the first histological atlas for freshwater mussels, (ii) comprises a baseline for monitoring mussel health in aquatic ecosystems, and (iii) could assist future workers studying freshwater mussel physiology, life history, toxicology, pathology, systematics and ecology.

Differentiation of Microbial Loop Components in Small Anthropogenic Reservoirs

The interactions between bacteria and heterotrophic protists are essential for the ecosystem ecology of freshwater. The basic objective of the study was to analyse the seasonal dynamics of changes in particular elements of the microbial loop (bacteria, flagellates and ciliates) in various types of small water bodies. The classification into particular trophic groups of ciliates and the role of the organisms in the functioning of the microbial loop was also analysed. The abundance and biomass of microbial communities has been assessed in eight reservoirs of varied origin (peat pits, clay pits and post-mining reservoirs), in order to test a hypothesis that the microbial communities differed among reservoirs and that differences could be related to fertility of habitats. Fieldwork was done from April to November 2010–2012. From each reservoirs once a month, three samples were collected with a 5-litre planktonic sampler. Samples were taken on two stations: pelagic — located in the deepest part of each reservoirs and littoral. The density and biomass of bacteria and protists significantly differed between the studied reservoirs, with the lowest numbers in the peat pits and clay pits and the highest in the post-mining reservoirs. All of the studied reservoirs were generally dominated by ciliates belonging to the orders Oligotrichida and Scuticociliatida constituted > 30% of the total numbers. In all reservoirs bacterivorous ciliates occurred in the highest numbers, while predators ones in the lowest. Generally, concentrations of nutrients (especially total phosphorus) is not a factor having the strongest effect on the abundance of bacteria and heterotrophic flagellates and the number and strength of correlations between microbial loop components. The relations demonstrated between bacteria and protists point to an important process of matter and energy flow from bacteria to higher trophic levels. In peat pits, relations between bacteria and ciliates were stronger. Only in clay pits and postmining reservoirs the correlation between bacteria and heterotrophic flagellates were found. Consuming much of bacterial productions, protozoa become an important link between bacteria and micrometazoans.

Integrating molecular tools into freshwater ecology: developments and opportunities

Summary Molecular genetic techniques have been used in freshwater biology for more than 30 years. Early work focussed on studies of population structure, systematics and taxonomy. More recently, the range of studies has broadened to include ecology and adaptation. Advances in analytical methods and in technology (e.g. next‐generation sequencing) and decreasing costs of data production ensure that the field will continue to develop and broaden in scope. At least three factors make the application of molecular techniques to freshwater biology exciting. First, the highly variable nature of many aquatic habitats makes them excellent models for the study of environmental change on ecological and evolutionary time scales. Second, the mature state of the field of freshwater biology provides an extensive foundation of ecological knowledge of freshwater organisms and their distinct adaptations. Third, the methodological advances allow researchers to focus more on merging molecular and ecological research and less on designing studies around technical limitations. We identified eight research areas in freshwater biology in which the integration of molecular and ecological approaches provides exceptional opportunities. The list is not exhaustive, but considers a broad range of topics and spans the continuum from basic to applied research. The areas identified use a combination of natural, experimental and in silico approaches. With advancing molecular techniques, freshwater biology is in an unusually strong position to link the genetic basis and ecological importance of adaptations across a wide range of taxa, ecosystems and spatiotemporal scales. Our aim was to identify opportunities for the integration of molecular and ecological approaches, to motivate greater collaboration and crossover, and to promote exploitation of the synergies of bridging ecological and evolutionary freshwater research.

Salmon, seabirds, and ecosystem dynamics.

Most of what ocean scientists know or believe to be true about ecological process in the open sea is necessarily based on correlative inferences, the interpretation of time series without direct evidence for cause and effect. This situation arises in part from the near impossibility of studying ocean ecosystems experimentally at appropriate scales of space and time. Freshwater ecology is a study of extreme contrast. Although the principal biotic elements of lakes and oceans are broadly similar (i.e., both support food webs containing phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish), lakes are comparatively small and sharply defined by surrounding land, thereby making them amenable to whole-ecosystem manipulative experiments. The resulting difference in approach—inference from correlative evidence in the sea and inference from experimental evidence in lakes—sets lakes apart from the oceans as some of the most carefully studied and best-understood ecosystems on earth. However, studies of open ocean ecology are beginning to explore complex interactions among species in interesting new ways. Analyses of long and detailed time series, such as those presented by Springer and van Vliet (1) on the ecological interplay between pink salmon and seabirds in the subarctic North Pacific, are providing an expanded view of ecological process in the world’s oceans.

What can modern statistical tools do for limnology?

Freshwater ecology and limnology is no stranger to experiments and data collected at large spatial and temporal scales. Nor is it a stranger to the molecular revolution. As our questions about distributions, abundances, structures and evolution grow in complexity with access to data, we need to stay aware of advances in tools for analysis and visualization. Here I review several advances in statistics and visualisation that might influence the future of limnology and freshwater ecology and evolution.

Improving automated phosphorus measurements in freshwater: an analytical approach to eliminating silica interference

Phosphorus is a nutrient of particular interest in investigations of aquatic ecosystems due to its significance for water quality, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological stoichiometry. Two limitations to current methods hinder our ability to characterize freshwater phosphorus dynamics: inadequate detection limits and susceptibility to interference from silica. While the analytical constraints associated with detection limits are widely appreciated, the importance of silica interference is not. The magnitude of interference varies between analytical approaches used for colorimetric soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) analysis because small variations in reagent chemistry, reaction time, temperature, and sample preservation affect the silica sensitivity. Variability in SRP methodology across individual laboratories makes it difficult to diagnose the severity of this issue in the literature. Here we show that standard methods (4500‐P.F., APHA 1992) adopted for one automated method of phosphorus analysis results in significant overestimation of SRP in oligotrophic waters of moderate silica concentration (3.9 µg P L−1 for 1 mg SiO2 L−1). We outline and apply modifications to this method to quantify low‐level SRP (<5 µg P L−1) while eliminating silica interference for application in fresh waters, particularly those with a high background Si:P ratio. We adopt a more acidic color reagent, lower the reaction temperature, and increase the reaction time for a continuous flow autoanalyzer that is commonly employed in many freshwater ecology laboratories. We report a method detection limit (MDL) of 0.6 µg P L−1 and show that the proposed method maintains sensitivity with negligible silica interference for investigators wishing to conduct low‐level phosphorus analysis.

A framework for coupling explanation and prediction in hydroecological modelling

Causal explanation and empirical prediction are usually addressed separately when modelling ecological systems. This potentially leads to erroneous conflation of model explanatory and predictive power, to predictive models that lack ecological interpretability, or to limited feedback between predictive modelling and theory development. These are fundamental challenges to appropriate statistical and scientific use of ecological models. To help address such challenges, we propose a novel, integrated modelling framework which couples explanatory modelling for causal understanding and input variable selection with a machine learning approach for empirical prediction. Exemplar datasets from the field of freshwater ecology are used to develop and evaluate the framework, based on 267 stream and river monitoring stations across England, UK. These data describe spatial patterns in benthic macroinvertebrate community indices that are hypothesised to be driven by meso-scale physical and chemical habitat conditions. Whilst explanatory models developed using structural equation modelling performed strongly (r2 for two macroinvertebrate indices = 0.64–0.70), predictive models based on extremely randomised trees demonstrated moderate performance (r2 for the same indices = 0.50–0.61). However, through coupling explanatory and predictive components, our proposed framework yields ecologically-interpretable predictive models which also maintain the parsimony and accuracy of models based on solely predictive approaches. This significantly enhances the opportunity for feedback among causal theory, empirical data and prediction within environmental modelling.

Basic and applied uses of molecular approaches in freshwater ecology

Australian Rivers Institute and National Environmental Research Program, Northern Australia Hub, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia Zoology Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Muggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany Biology Department, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida 32723 USA Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, Pennsylvania 19311 USA

The dark side of springs: what drives small-scale spatial patterns of subsurface meiofaunal assemblages?

Springs are amongst the most relevant Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) and are key research environments in freshwater ecology and biology. The strict dependency on ground water of surface spring biodiversity is widely recognized, whereas the biodiversity occurring below the spring is very poorly known. This study analyzes copepod assemblages in the subsurface habitat of a karstic rheolimnocrenic spring in relation to seventeen environmental parameters. Subsurface copepod assemblages were sensitive to microspatial variation in habitat structure, and species distributions were mostly driven by groundwater flowpath and substratum type, resulting in biologically distinct limnocrenic and rheocrenic sectors at the spring system scale. Habitat patchiness was reflected in differences in the microdistribution of subsurface copepods, stygobiotic assemblages being more sensitive to the measured environmental gradients than non-stygobiotic ones. In spite of the apparent stability of spring environments, copepods, as a target group, performed well as descriptors of sediment texture and hydrodynamics, and may offer relevant information for a better understanding of the potential changes generated by anthropogenic disturbance on these ecosystems.

Intermittent Rivers: A Challenge for Freshwater Ecology

For many decades, river research has been focused on perennial rivers. Intermittent river research has a shorter history, and recent studies suggest that alternating dry and wet conditions alter virtually all biotic communities and biogeochemical processes in these rivers. Intermittent rivers constitute more than half of the length of the global river network and are increasing in number and length in response to climate change, landuse alteration, and water abstraction. Our views of the roles that rivers play in maintaining biodiversity and controlling material fluxes will change substantially when intermittent rivers are fully integrated into regional and global analyses. Concepts, questions, and methodologies from lotic, lentic, and terrestrial ecology need to be integrated and applied to intermittent rivers to increase our knowledge and effective management of these rivers.

Natural xenobiotics to prevent cyanobacterial and algal growth in freshwater: Contrasting efficacy of tannic acid, gallic acid, and gramine

Allelochemical action against planktonic phototrophs is one central issue in freshwater ecology and quality management. To determine some basic mechanisms of this toxic action, we exposed the coccal green alga, Desmodesmus armatus, and the coccal cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, in a batch culture well-supplied with carbon dioxide to increasing concentrations of the polyphenols tannic acid and gallic acid and the alkaloid gramine. The phototrophs were checked after 2d and at the end of the culture for biomass-based growth rates, cell volume, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSIImax), chlorophyll a content (chla) after 2d and at the end of the culture, and lipid peroxidation only at the end of the culture. During the culture, the pH rose from 7.64 to 10.95, a pH characteristic of eutrophic freshwater bodies during nuisance algal blooms. All xenobiotics reduced the growth rate, ΦPSIImax, and chla during the first 2d with M. aeruginosa being more sensitive to the polyphenols than D. armatus. The efficacy of the polyphenols declined with increasing pH, indicating potential polymerization and corresponding reduced bioavailability of the polyphenols. In contrast to the polyphenols, gramine increased its toxic action over time, independent of the prevailing pH. All exposures caused slight to severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the phototrophs. Hence, one mechanism of growth inhibition may be oxidative stress-mediated reduction in photosynthesis. The presented results suggest that in successful field trials with leachate, the prevailing environmental conditions may inactivate polyphenols and xenobiotics other than polyphenols may be more effective.

Predicting presence and absence of trout (Salmo trutta) in Iran

Species distribution modelling, as a central issue in freshwater ecology, is an important tool for conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a sensitive species which reacts to habitat changes induced by human impacts. Therefore, the identification of suitable habitats is essential. This study explores the potential distribution of brown trout by a species distribution modelling approach for Iran. Furthermore, modelling results are compared to the distribution described in the literature. Areas outside the currently known distribution which may offer potential habitats for brown trout are identified. The species distribution modelling was based on five different modelling techniques: Generalised Linear Model, Generalised Additive Model, Generalised Boosting Model, Classification Tree Analysis and Random Forests, which are finally summarised in an ensemble forecasting approach. We considered four environmental descriptors at the local scale (slope, bankfull width, wetted width, and elevation) and three climatic parameters (mean air temperature, range of air temperature and annual precipitation) which were extracted on three different spatial extents (1/5/10 km). The performance of all models was excellent (≥0.8) according to the TSS (True Skill Statistic) criterion. Slope, mean and range of air temperature were the most important variables in predicting brown trout occurrence. Presented results deepen the knowledge about distribution patterns of brown trout in Iran. Moreover, this study gives a basic background for the future development of assessment methods for riverine ecosystems in Iran.

Assessing fish distribution and threats to fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin, China

The Yangtze River (6,380 km long) is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest one in the world. Its river basin (a complex riverine–lacustrine network) is especially rich in fish fauna, representing high species richness and endemism, and therefore is a globally significant area for preserving fish biodiversity (Dudgeon 2000; Park et al. 2003). However, during the past several decades, loss of fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin has been accelerated by a series of direct and indirect effects of human activities and environmental changes, e.g., disappearance, shrinkage, and fragmentation of habitats for fish spawning, feeding and migration, overfishing, water pollution, and invasion of exotic species (Zeng 1990; Xie and Chen 1999). Despite numerous publications on ichthyological research in the Yangtze River Basin since the 1950s, synthesis and analysis or assessment of fish distribution patterns and quantification of major threats to fishes are still limited, which in turn limits formulation of biodiversity conservation strategies. In this study, we collected and synthesized the scattered data from relevant literature, with the purposes of (1) assessing large-scale distribution and endemic species composition of Yangtze fishes, (2) ranking the contribution of major threats as well as intrinsic factors to fish endangerment, and (3) providing recommendations for fish conservation in the basin. The Yangtze River Basin consists of five defined areas (Fig. 1). The riverhead is located on the Tibetan Plateau, where the mean elevation is over 4,500 m (Zeng 1990). The upper reach extends upstream from Yichang (in Hubei Province), with a length of more than 4,300 km and a drainage basin area of 100 9 10 km. The Yangtze flows primarily across mountainous regions with steep channel slopes of 10–40 9 10 (Chen et al. 2001). The famous Three Gorges Dam is located in the upper mainstream. The middle reach lies between Yichang and Hukou (in Jiangxi Province), with a length of about 950 km and a drainage area of 68 9 10 km. Low relief topography with channel slopes of 2–3 9 10 and meandering platforms are characteristics of this region. Here, the river connects with shallow lakes of various sizes and numerous tributaries and forms an endemic Chinese compound ecosystem of inland water. The lower reach extends from Hukou downward to the mouth of the river, with a length of 930 km and a drainage area of 12 9 10 km. This segment of the river wanders among plains and hills with lower channel slopes of 0.5–1.0 9 10. Several large interior lakes, such as Lake Caohu and Lake Taihu in association with many tributaries, drain into the reach (Chen et al. 2001). The river empties into the East China Sea at the estuary, which is characterized by three bifurcations and four outlets into the sea and a complicated temporal and spatial salinity distribution (Mao et al. 2001). Fish taxonomy and distribution in the five defined basin areas were compiled from scattered published fish surveys since the 1950s. To ensure data quality and authenticity, faunal compositions derived from extensive surveying and/ or long-term monitoring were adopted. The used literatures include Chu (1955), Anonymous (1976, 1980), Yang (1987), Zeng (1990), Wu and Wu (1992), Ding (1994), Chen (1998), Chu et al. (1999), Yue (2000), Ni and Zhu (2005), Zhuang et al. (2006), and Wu and Zhong (2008). Endemic species were defined according to their distribution being limited to the Yangtze River Basin. Patterns of distribution range of the fishes were indicated by the S. Ye (&) Z. Li T. Zhang J. Liu S. Xie State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China e-mail: yeshw@ihb.ac.cn

Desert Lake: art, science and stories from Paruku

Desert lake: art, science and stories from Paruku Steve Morton, Mandy Martin, Kim Mahood and John Carty (eds) 2013 CSIRO Publishing, Canberra, 312pp, ISBN 9780643106284 (hbk) This volume represents a brilliant fusion of Traditional Knowledge, origin narratives, Western science and contemporary art. It is based on 'deep-time' complex human-landscape relationships from a highly significant lake system known as Paruku in the south-east Kimberley region. Known on cartographic charts as Lake Gregory, it is the only co-ordinated drainage system that flows from the east Kimberley into the expansive linear dune fields of the Great Sandy Desert. The lake was once a mega-lake, many times its current size, reflecting massive monsoonal rains more akin to central Indonesia than the present Kimberley desert edge. It hosted an enhanced aquatic and avian fauna and was likely a highly attractive lake for early settlers--being surrounded by savannah woodlands and grasses with grazing terrestrial fauna. Indeed, it was at such major water bodies that peoples transitioned into the desert hunter-gatherer adaptations we think of today as the ethnographic norm. They persisted in an increasingly arid landscape--with lakes as a chain of connection to previous pluvial states. I first came to Paruku 34 years ago and recall the nascent wiltjas (bough shelters) with small groups of largely elderly people who were re-settling their desert homelands from townships like Halls Creek, having been edged off pastoral regimes due to the new awards. They were re-connecting to old camping places, Dreaming sites and a range of totemic 'runs', rather than being wrapped around the rhythms of mustering and the earlier cattle drives of the nearby Canning Stock Route. They now had green-fields for (re)connection and establishment of community (such as Mulan). Jump ahead almost 30 years and as the last part of the ARC Canning Stock Route 'Rock Art and Jukurrpa Project' we are collaborating with Professor Jim Bowler, a new generation of senior Traditional Owners, and other colleagues in tracking the Two Dogs Dreaming, human occupation patterns and acrylic iconography from Tjurabalan native title holders--all in the sands and exposures of Parnkupirti Creek. With Mike Smith, Jo McDonald, Alan Williams and some 20 traditional custodians and (it felt like) hundreds of visiting school children, we worked back through the unyielding lake muds to locate early artefacts which have been dated to between 45,000 to 50,000 years ago. This was a time period when the energy from floodwaters was very high; large cobbles were pushed across the landscape during flood events and it appears early assemblages of flaked silcrete artefacts were polished and sub-rounded to then lie exposed for millennia in brachiating creeklines fringing the lake. This lavish CSIRO publication profiles community voices, art productions and intersections with science over some 300 pages. The four editors comprise a leading arid zone ecologist, two artists of natural-cultural systems and the deserts, and an anthropologist of Indigenous art. The book is divided into three chronological parts; (a) Deep Time, (b) Recent Times and (c) The Future. There are ten chapters embedded within these parts and they deal with the stratigraphy of archaeology and geomorphology, the historical connections and layered memories of custodians and the lake, its fluctuating freshwater ecology, and the painting of new landscapes of encounter and enterprise --not the least of which is the Indigenous Protected Area regime. …