Macroinvertebrate community structure of four special lotic habitats in Colorado, USA

Abstract

The number of streams regulated by dams is increasing more rapidly than our understanding of the ecological consequences. Studies of regulated streams in Colorado show that macroinvertebrate communities may be useful indicators of ecological conditions because they integrate the unique combination of physical and chemical variables below each dam. A fuller understanding of why certain taxa are affected in a given way would contribute not only to knowledge of ecological requirements of species, but ultimately would provide data of predictive value in assessing impacts and desirable modification of future stream regulation projects. The purpose of this paper is to compare the macroinvertebrate communities of four regulated streams and to identify taxa potentially useful as indicators of regulation.

Citation

Ward, J. V.; Short, R. A. 1978. Macroinvertebrate community structure of four special lotic habitats in Colorado, USA. International Association for Theoretical and Applied Limnology. 20: 1382-1387.