Composition and seasonality of benthic invertebrates,and drift in the Naro Moru River,Kenya |
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Authors: | J M Mathooko K M Mavuti |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya;(2) Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya |
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Abstract: | A survey was carried out to establish the nature and composition of the benthos along the Naro Moru, a tropical river in central
Kenya using artificial substrate baskets, from November 1986 to October 1987. A clear longitudinal zonation existed for Diptera
and Ephemeroptera which were the major benthic taxa. Maximum colonization took place after ten days of exposure.
Seasonal variations in abundance were also observed. All taxa collected from the bottom samples were also collected in the
drift samples, but the percentage composition of the benthos showed variations with that of the drift. Simulium sp. dominated the benthos whilst Baetis spp. dominated the drift. There was a positive correlation between drift rate and benthic fauna density. |
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Keywords: | benthos composition zonation artificial substrate baskets drift Kenya |
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