Abstract
The composition of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups (FFGs) has been used as surrogates of ecosystem attributes in aquatic ecosystems, but studies that utilize such knowledge are still limited in the tropics. This study investigated the suitability of abundance- vs. biomass-based metrics of macroinvertebrate FFGs as surrogates of ecosystems attributes of the Sosiani–Kipkaren River in western Kenya. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in wet and dry seasons, classified into five FFGs and used to derive five metrics that are surrogates of ecosystem attributes; (1) a balance between autotrophy and heterotrophy, (2) linkage between riparian inputs of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) and fine particulate organic matter (FPOM), (3) top-down predator control, (4) geomorphic channel stability, and (5) relative dominance of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) in transport compared to FPOM deposited in the sediments. Taxon richness, abundance and biomass of shredders were higher in forested sites, and scrapers were numerically dominant in mid-order streams, whereas collectors dominated agricultural and urban sites. Abundance-based metrics were better predictors of ecosystem attributes and displayed greater response to changes in stream size than biomass-based metrics. Moreover, there was incongruence between abundance- and biomass-based indicators for P/R and CPOM/FPOM. Catchment land use did not influence metric performance, suggesting that reach scale influences played a predominant role in structuring communities and determining ecosystem functioning. Although the use of FFGs as indicators of ecosystem integrity and functioning in this river show promise, lack of agreement between abundance- and biomass-based measures suggests that more studies are needed to refine the metrics used.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Lubanga Lunaligo and Elizabeth Wanderi (University of Eldoret) for assistance during fieldwork and analysis of samples in the laboratory. This paper is a publication of a multidisciplinary project funded by the National Research Fund (NRF), Kenya, and coordinated by the University of Eldoret. We also appreciate the assistance of James Barasa (University of Eldoret) who also helped during designing of the study and fieldwork. We are grateful to Saeed Hassan (Egerton University) for a map of the study area.
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AS: conceived the study, designed the methods and study design, performed fieldwork, laboratory sample analysis and data analysis, and drafted the manuscript; FM: conceived the study, designed the methods and study design, performed fieldwork, data analysis and extensively edited and commented on the manuscript; MY: designed the methods and study design, performed fieldwork, lab samples analysis, and commented on the manuscript; AA and SA: contributed to the study design, performed fieldwork and commented on the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Sitati, A., Masese, F.O., Yegon, M.J. et al. Abundance- and biomass-based metrics of functional composition of macroinvertebrates as surrogates of ecosystem attributes in Afrotropical streams. Aquat Sci 83, 73 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-021-00829-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-021-00829-0