Watershed influence on the macroinvertebrate fauna of ten major tributaries of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Arizona
Oberlin GE, Shannon JP, Blinn DW. 1999. Watershed influence on the macroinvertebrate fauna of ten major tributaries of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Arizona. The Southwestern Naturalist. 44(1):17-30
"The biota of ten major tributaries of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Arizona, were examined bimonthly in 1991 and annually in 1993, 1994, and 1996. Identification, distribution and phenology of 42 insect genera are reported. We found significant variability in macroinvertebrate biomass between tributaries and seasonal differences within tributaries. Some of these differences can be explained in terms of stream source and watershed characteristics. Spring-fed tributaries originating within the Grand Canyon had higher macroinvertebrate biomass than tributaries draining large watersheds from outside the Grand Canyon. Tributaries that receive a substantial amount of their water from terrestrial runoff typically are less stable, have higher turbidity, and fewer food resources so that fewer species and/or individuals can be sustained. Irrigation, grazing, and other land use practices that reduce flow and increase sedimentation within these watersheds may have repercussions far downstream of where they occur." [Cambridge Scientific Abstracts]
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Oberlin, Gaye; Shannon, Joseph; Blinn, Dean
- Units
- GRCA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aquatic Insects, Colorado River, Freshwater invertebrates -- Ecology, Invertebrates, Macroinvertebrates, Tributaries, Watersheds