Invertebrate communities of former southern moravian floodplains (Czechoslovakia) and impacts of regulation

Abstract

The natural hydrobiological conditions of southern Moravian floodplains have been drastically altered by regulation of the lower Dyje river and its tributaries. Natural floodplains were characterized by temporary pools and swamps, each inhabited by a typical community of aquatic invertebrates, and permanent water bodies (rivers and abandoned channels). Some aquatic taxa migrated onto 'terrestrial' localities during flood periods. Following regulation, floods were eliminated and most of the wet floodplain habitats disappeared, together with their typical species. The results of faunistic studies carried out in different permanent and temporary water bodies of the floodplains are reviewed. Altogether 188 taxa of planktonic and 206 taxa of benthic and semiplanktonic animals have been recorded. Of the planktonic community, rotifers (96 taxa) and copepods (41 taxa) have very favourable conditions for their development, especially in the spring. The main season for cladocera (53 taxa) development (summer) is less favourable due to the short duration of flooding (in flooded meadows) or poor oxygen conditions (in temporary pools with a high content of decaying organic matter). Among the zoobenthos, mainly facultative aquatic macroinvertebrates (larvae of insects) appear in these localities.

Impact of reservoirs and channelization on lowland river macroinvertebrates: A case study from Central Europe

“…Sukop (1990) and Ada´mek and Sukop (1992) published the most important work, which dealt with the river below the reservoirs and also introduced the evaluation of changes in invertebrate communities. Comprehensive information on the aquatic invertebrate fauna of the target region provides the monograph edited by Opravilova´et al (1999).…”

Environmental and biological responses of former channels to river incision: A diachronic study on the upper rhǒne river

“…The dynamics of the floodplain are then modified: in former braided channels, succession leads to marshes and ultimately to a terrestrial stage, whereas before embankment the fluvial dynamics regularly rejuvenated the landforms (Bravard et al, 1986). Furthermore, floods that have lost most of their scouring power may deposit fine sediment and accelerate the silting-up of the channels (Walker, 1985;Adamek and Sukop, 1992;Darby and Thorne, 1992). Finally, the incision of the river bed should favour drainage of the surrounding aquifers by the river, and thus should lower the water-table (Galay, 1983;Petts, 1984).…”

“…There are two major reasons for this lack of investigation (1) river incision is a long-term process, therefore long-term studies are required to demonstrate its consequences; and (2) river incision has usually begun early, or even is completed, and thus pre-impact data are lacking.Former braided channels are often supplied by groundwater (Kohler er al., 1974;Ortscheit, 1985;Carbiener et al, 1990; Bornette and Amoros, 1991). In addition, they are regularly subjected to flood events which play a key role in their dynamics (Castella et al, 1991;Foeckler et al, 1991;Adamek and Sukop, 1992;Bornette et al, 1994). Therefore, they should be highly influenced by river incision.…”

“…Former braided channels are often supplied by groundwater (Kohler er al., 1974;Ortscheit, 1985;Carbiener et al, 1990; Bornette and Amoros, 1991). In addition, they are regularly subjected to flood events which play a key role in their dynamics (Castella et al, 1991;Foeckler et al, 1991;Adamek and Sukop, 1992;Bornette et al, 1994). Therefore, they should be highly influenced by river incision.…”

Larval Adaptation of the Endangered Maritime Ringlet <I>Coenonympha tullia nipisiquit</I> McDonnough (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) to a Saline Wetland Habitat

“…Because of wetlandsÕ roles as reservoirs of uniquely adapted ßora and fauna, studies on wetland organisms, including invertebrates, have received much attention lately (e.g., Batzer and Wissinger 1996, Painter 1999, Hall et al 2004, Schoenly et al 1998, Williams et al 2004. Ecological studies of wetland insects have proliferated as these organisms have come to be recognized as an important food resource in waterfowl management (Murkin and Batt 1987), biological indicators of habitat integrity (LaGrange and Dinsmore 1989, Coulson et al 1990, Greenwood et al 1991, Adamek and Sukop 1992, Holmes et al 1993, and objects of conservation concern because of habitat loss or degradation as a result of wetland loss and radical wetland management Cham 1994, Warren 1994).…”