Rapid macroinvertebrate colonisation in restored channelised streams contiguous with natural stream reaches
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2022 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Hydrobiologia |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04928-3 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04928-3 |
| Keywords | Stream restoration; Recolonisation; Community succession; Connectivity; Channelised streams; Species traits |
| Description | Stream restoration is meant to mitigate increasing anthropogenic pressure and re-establish ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Extensive research has identified constraints hampering biotic recovery, but successful projects are still scarce. This study documents short-term macroinvertebrate colonisation in a near-natural environment with plentiful potential colonists, which has rarely been studied. Three streams contiguous with near-natural aquatic habitats were monitored over sixteen months after restoration. Sampling sections were categorised and compared to reference sections. Species richness and composition, abundance, functional parameters and similarity to reference were evaluated. Restored streams were colonised rapidly and, in multiple respects, reached reference levels within the study period. Distance from upstream colonisation source and restoration method (newly built and rebuilt channels) had little effect on recovery. However, species composition of upper and lower sections diversified, as they receive colonists from various sources. Repeated sampling revealed dynamic assemblage development with Chironomidae, Baetidae and Nemouridae being among the pioneer colonists. A common successional pattern was observed; gatherers/collectors and small, plurivoltine larvae decreased, whereas predators, grazers/scrapers and medium-sized, univoltine larvae increased. This study demonstrates that restoration of previously channelised streams in near-natural environment is followed by rapid macroinvertebrate colonisation, successfully promoting biodiversity. |
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