HR: 10:45h
AN: NB42D-02    [Abstracts]
TI: Freshwater macroinvertebrate research in western Louisiana: limitations of our knowledge base
AU: * Kaller, M
EM: mkalle1@lsu.edu
AF: School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, 227 RNR, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 United States
AU: Hudson, J D
AF: Environment and Natural Resource Branch, U. S. Army, Ft. Polk, Ft. Polk, LA United States
AU: Kelso, W E
AF: School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, 227 RNR, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 United States
AU: Williams, L R
AF: School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH United States
AB: Western Louisiana streams and rivers represent relatively uncharted waters with regard to their biota, particularly aquatic macroinvertebrates. Whereas statewide taxonomic surveys have been conducted for several taxa (Dryopid Coleoptera, Odonata, and Plecoptera), peer-reviewed studies on macroinvertebrate communities and their structuring factors are few. We present the findings of three different macroinvertebrate community studies in western Louisiana encompassing 1990-2004. These studies investigated large-scale forest cover removal and localized biotic influences on macroinvertebrate communities. These studies generally were inconclusive with regard to abiotic anthropogenic disturbances; instead, strong seasonal and spatial patterns combined with wide tolerances to stream physio-chemistry appeared to be more important factors. However, strong localized biotic effects did appear to significantly alter macroinvertebrate communities. Further, a paucity of classic shredding organisms was noted in each study suggesting a unique community composition in these streams in comparison to neighboring regions. We believe geologic phenomenon may have acted as an evolutionary filter that produced a macroinvertebrate community generally tolerant of abiotic disturbance, but not as of yet, tolerant to biotic disturbances.
DE: 1845 Limnology
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly