Impacts to river biota studied in Zion Narrows
Shakarjian MJ and Stanford JA. 1999. Impacts to river biota studied in Zion Narrows. Park Science. 19(1):12
This study addresses the effects of hikers on the zoobenthos (river bottom organisms) in Zion National Park's Virgin River Narrows. A strong relationship exists between trampling intensity and zoobenthos biomass and density. Data was collected between August and September 1996. The study established a strong negative influence of trampling on zoobenthos and it was concluded that the current volume of hikers seriously diminishes the integrity of the river ecosystem by limiting zoobenthos and very likely also negatively impacts overall productivity of the river, including rare fishes and possibly the rare stonefly (Isogenoides zionensis).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Shakarjian, Mikel; Stanford, Jack
- Units
- ZION
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aquatic Studies, Insects, Inventory, Invertebrates, Isogenoides zionensis, Management, stonefly, Threatened-Endangered-Sensitive Animals, Trampling, Virgin River, Virgin River Narrows, Visitor Impacts