- Title
- Potential effects of riparian vegetation changes on functional organisation of macroinvertebrates in central Victorian streams
- Creator
- Jayawardana, Chandamali; Westbrooke, Martin
- Date
- 2010
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/64696
- Identifier
- vital:3246
- Identifier
- ISSN:0042-5184
- Abstract
- Exotic willows (Salix spp.) are widespread riparian tree species of rivers in temperate Australia and New Zealand. Despite being a Weed of National Significance, little is known about the novel habitats created by willows and the impact on aquatic biota of vegetation change following willow management programs. Reeds (Phragmites australis) and shrubs (Leptospermum spp. znaCallistemon spp.) are common taxa in the riparian zone of Victorian streams and are considered suitable for planting along channels in revegetation programs following willow removal. Categorisation of macroinvertebrates into 'trophic' groups allows better understanding of the processes of energy flow, material cycle and stream ecosystem function. Macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups associated with willow, Phragmites australis, Leptospermum/CaUistemon and bare bank habitats were examined in three central Victorian streams to gain insights to potential effects of willow removal on functional organisation of macroinvertebrates. There was a significant effect of habitat on macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups except collectors. Notable differences in functional feeding groups included a greater abundance ofpredators and grazers in Phragmites habitats and a greater abundance of snredders in willow habitats; however, these changes were variable during different seasons. It appears riparian vegetation change associated with willow management could bring about change of functional organisation of macroinvertebrates in these streams. This suggests that the vegetation changes can bring about changes in material cycle and energy flow within these streams.
- Publisher
- Field Naturalists Club of Victoria
- Relation
- Victorian Naturalist Vol. 127, no. 2 (2010), p. 36-46
- Rights
- Copyright The Authors
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 06 Biological Sciences; 05 Environmental Sciences; Functional feeders; Leptospermum; Macroinvertebrates; Phragmites; Willow (Salix spp)
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