Impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on macroinvertebrate communities in streams of Catanduanes watershed forest reserve, Catanduanes, Philippines and the need for conservation

Abstract

© TCRP 2019. Macroinvertebrate communities at nine streams located in three towns (Virac, Bato, and San Miguel) spanning the Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve in Catanduanes, Philippines, were assessed in terms of their re-sponses to three anthropogenic disturbances: domestic, agricultural, and quarry. Macroinvertebrate sampling was done using a 1m2 bottom kick net. A total of 62 macroinvertebrate taxa distributed to 53 Families were identi-fied. Insect orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera which are known indicators of good water qual-ity, were relatively abundant in most streams compared to other groups. Macroinvertebrate density and richness in relatively undisturbed stations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those recorded in streams with quarry-ing activities, which fall in Q3 of SIGNAL 2 biplot, suggesting negative effects of quarrying. Macroinvertebrate density showed positive correlation with dissolved oxygen and stream depth, width, and velocity, and was found to increase upstream with increasing stream width. Macroinvertebrate taxa richness generated a negative correla-tion to stream width and temperature. Overall, most streams in Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve are still in good condition however, with the negative effects of anthropogenic activities, condition of streams may change without proper watershed management. This study demonstrates the need to further strengthen policies on stream management to protect and conserve them.

Source or Periodical Title

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology

Page

15-31

Document Type

Article

Subject

Anthropogenic disturbance, Macroinvertebrates, Stream condition, Watershed

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