Stream macro-invertebrate diversity of the Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
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Abstract
Macro-invertebrates form an integral part of aquatic systems, and assessment of macro-invertebrate communities is one of the best ways to monitor the health of a stream. Despite this, stream monitoring of macro-invertebrates has been extremely limited in Bhutan. A study was conducted to generate baseline information on macro-invertebrate diversity in the Phobjikha valley, covering community composition and seasonal variation in diversity during post and pre-monsoon seasons. From a total of 244 units sampled in streams, 50 families from 13 orders were recorded. The dominant order overall was Ephemeroptera (31%), which also dominated the pre-monsoon assessment (33%), while Trichoptera (39%) dominated the post-monsoon assessment. The pre-monsoon assessment recorded two additional orders, Caenogastropoda and Veneroida. There was no significant difference in diversity between the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon assessments (p˃0.3), but a significant difference in species diversity between seasons was observed in pools and riffles. Physicochemical parameters indicated that pH, electrical conductivity and salinity were within favorable ranges for macro-invertebrates. Further studies of other habitats in different seasons will produce a more comprehensive understanding of macro-invertebrate diversity.Â
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