Benthic macro-biota in - Kumaon Himalaya

Item Type article

Authors Mohan, M.

Download date 29/09/2021 05:42:57

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/33126 J. Indian Fish. Assoc., 32: 49-67, 2005. 49

BENTIDC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER- KUMA ON HIMALAYA* Madan Mohan National Research Centre on Coldwater Fisheries, Bhimtal-263136, Uttaranchal, . ABSTRACT The density of benthic macro-biota in number over weight of biomass at three sampling stations was 29 units m210.614 g m2 to 171 units m2 I 11.346 m2 at Station I; 22 units m2 I 0.410 g m2 to 155 units m2 I 8.717 m2 at Station II; 15 units m210.321 g m2 to 122 units m 21 6. 793 g m2 at Station III. The Caddis fly larvae was the most dominant component and contributed 52.41% in the macro-biota. These animals were abundant in Gaula river when benthic algae were abundant, water is well oxygenated, alkaline and contains sufficient nutrients but observed to be less abundant during high velocity of water, high river depth and higher turbid waters. Keywords : Benthic, Macro-Biota, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Diptera

INTRODUCTION from Himachal Pradesh ; Badola and Singh (1981), Nautiyal (1984, 1986), Though Bhatt & Pathak (1991, 1992), Pathak & Bhatt (1991); Pandey, Dobriyal (1985), Dobriyal and Singh ( 1988), Singh and N autiyal (1990) from et al., (1991); and Pathani (1990) have published bio-ecology ofKumaon rivers Garhwal region of Uttaranchal. i.e. , Gomti, , Paner, Kosi & Gaula. Bartarya, yet information MATERIAL AND METHODS on the diversity and abundance of Monthly samples of macro-benthic macro-benthic fauna vis a vis the animals were collected by employing ecological conditions prevailing is "the kick net method" in which 1 square scarce. From elsewhere, macro­ metre stream bed area was enclosed invertebrate assemblages and their with net fabricated from fine mesh, soft composition have been worked out by and flexible monofilament material. This by several researchers such as Sehgal is the most suitable method for streams (1966, 1988, 1990, 1991) and Sunder like Gaula whose substratum is rough, and Subia (1986) from Jammu and rocky and depth of the stream varied at Kashmir ; Sehgal ( 1971 ), Sehgal et al, intervals. During net operations, lower (1971), Sehgal (1990) and Joshi (1991) part of the net was held in position at

*Formed part of the thesis for the award of Ph.D. degree by Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U. P. 50 MADAN MOHAN the stream bottom. The substratum was RESULTS disturbed immediately upstream of the Considering their concentration in net. The stones were turned over and number over weight of biomass at three scrubbed by hand and foot kicking of 2 sampling stations, it was 29 units m- / small pebbles to dislodge all benthic 0.614 g m-2 in August (minimum) to forms. When kicking the stones was 171 units m-2/11.346 g m-2 in February over, enclosure was immediately lifted 2 (maximum) at Station I; 22 units m- / out of water and entire fauna collected 0.410 g m -2 in August to 155 units m- and preserved in 5-10% formalin for 2/ 8.717 g m-2 at Station II; and 15 units further detailed analysis. m-2/0.321 g m-2 in August and 122 units In Gaul a river, substratum near m-2! 6.793 g m- 2 in February at Station Herakhan ( Station I) comprised of big III. Table 1 and Figure 1, show the and small stones and boulders ; at Station density of benthic macro-biota during II near proposed Jamrani Dam site has different months at three stations. The small and big stones and sandy ; at minima and maxima of macro-benthic Station III near Ranibagh, the site is animals seem to be primarily correlated mostly of sand, small pebbles and small with hydrological conditions in the stones. It appears that macro-benthic streams. During heavy precipitation in fauna in Gaula river prefer river bed the catchment areas of the Gaula river, substratum comprised of small and big the substratum material including stones and boulders where average boulders, stones and gravels etc. get density of fauna was almost double when rolled down for a considerable distance compared with sandy habitats at Station resulting in 'wash off' of the existing III. Epeorus were also collected by life which otherwise were the homes washing clusters of filamentous green providing anchorage in fast flowing algae Zy gnema and Tribonema in streams. The quantitative analysis at September 1993 at Station I and in three sampling stations revealed that October 1993 at Station II. The nymphs these animals once again got colonised of Rhithrogenia were collected from at the substratum with recession of small crevices of submerged stones with heavy floods reaching at their peak in the help of a dropper. But midge larvae winter months. particularly Chironomus in their early The average annual numerical larval forms .were found accumulated densities were 80.27 units per square along with lesser density of Atherix metre at Station I, 67.5 units per square under a thin algal biofilm near the bank metre at Station II and 41.94 units per of river in the month of September 1993 square metre at Station III. The when water velocity at these two estimated average density of macro­ sampling stations was considerable. biota in river Gaula from Herakhan to 2 Table 1. Monthwise numbers of standing crop(indlm ) and percentage composition of different groups of benthic macro-fauna (pooled data) of River Gaula. - Month ind./m2 Wet biomass Percentage composition ? (g/m-) Ephem. Odonata Plecop. Hemip. Coleop. Tric. Diptera Arthr. Fish

Jul.y 1992 27 1.260 25.93 - - - 25.93 29.63 18.51 - - OJ m August 22 0.504 9.09 4.54 4.55 - 9.09 18.18 54.55 z -1 September 32 1.454 15.63 6.25 9.37 - 3.12 28.13 34.37 - 3.13 I October 71 3.471 19.72 8.45 5.63 1.41 2.82 52.11 8.45 0.94 0.47 0 $:: November 114 5.677 16.67 2.63 6.14 1.75 2.63 65.79 3.51 - 0.88 )> () December 78 4.610 16.67 3.85 2.56 - 7.70 64.10 3.84 - 1.28 :0 0 January 1993 77 6.295 14.28 6.50 - - 1.30 58.44 18.18 0.98 0.32 I OJ February 111 8.752 32.43 2.70 4.50 - 3.60 48.65 8.12 - - 0 March 35 2.620 5.71 2.86 5.71 - - 77.15 8.57 - - );! April 41 3.575 7.32 - - - 2.44 80.48 9.76 - - z May 74 5.962 5.40 5.40 - - 5.40 67.58 10.81 2.81 2.60 {j) )> June 54 3.256 11.11 1.85 1.85 - 11.11 61.12 11.11 0.46 1.39 c r July 41 1.493 17.07 2.44 - - 31.71 36.58 12.20 - - )> August 29 0.598 10.34 3.45 - - 17.24 13.80 55.17 - - :0 September 57 1.516 15.80 3.51 7.02 - - 3.50 70.17 - -

Ind. = Individuals ; Ephenz. = Ephmneroptera; Plecop. = Plecoptera; Hemip. = Hemiptera; Colep. = Coleptera; Tric. = Trichoptpra; Arthr. = Arthropoda.

01 ...... 52 MADAN MOHAN

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Ranibagh, a stretch of about 20 km was Plecoptera-The stone fly nymphs 63 units per square metre. Table 1 gives mainly occurred in good numbers after the data in a pooled manner at the three southwest monsoon rains and during stations. spring and were not available during winter months. They were represented The analysis of samples collected by Perla, Chloroperla, Nemura and _from three stations show that nymphs, larvae and imagoes of insects amongst Leuctra. Arthropoda contributed nearly 99% of Hemiptera-Water bugs were very the total benthic macro-:-biota. Amongst rare in their occurrence and contributed the insects nymphs/ larvae of Odonata, insignificantly at all the three stations Ephemeroptera. Plecoptera, (Table 5) They were represented by Trichoptera, Hemiptera, larvae and Micronecta, and Corixa .. adults of Coleoptera and larvae of Trichoptera-The caddis fly larvae Diptera occurred in 4.13%, 16.49%, was the most dominant component of 3.86%, 52.41%, 0.67%, 7.30% and aquatic insects community in Gaula 14.06% respectively at thethree stations river and was available throughout the (Figure 2; Table 2). In the following year. In pooled data for the three paragraphs, seasonal variations and stations their share was estimated as abundance of major groups of macro­ 52.41%. Their abundance was low benthic biota are briefly discussed. during monsoon months which Odonata-Both the sub-orders of increased gradually. With the increase this group i.e. Anisoptera ( dragon fly ) in water temperature in March, the and Zygoptera (damsel fly) have been contribution of caddis fly show further observed in Gaula river. When data for rise reaching to the peak density in one three sampling sites were pooled, their of the summer months at all the three contribution was estimated as 4.13% .. stations. This group was represented by They were represented by nymphs of larvae of Hydropsyche, Rhycophilla, Gomphus, Octogomphus, Phyllopotamus, Mystacide and Ophiogomphus, Agrion, lschnura and lthytrychia(Table 5). Argus (Table 5). Coleoptera-Water beetles not only Ephemeroptera-The may flies pass their larval stage in stream water nymphs in pooled data of three stations but also remain in the adult stage too. their share was estimated as 16.49%. Like dipteron insects, water beetles also May flies were represented by nymphs contribute significantly during monsoon of Epeorus, Heptagenia, Rhithrogenia, months at all the three stations. They Baetis, Caenis, Ephemerella, Iron, were not available during summer Echdyonurus, Leptophlebia, Amelatus months of March and April at Station I and Paramelatus (Table 5). and Station II but occurred in small Hemiptera (]J 0.28% ~ Coleoptera \ Plecoptera 5.84% 4.04% Odonata 3.53%

Trichoptera 54.66% Trichoptera 54.66%

:5:: )> 0 Hemiptera Hemiptera )> 0.91% z Plecoptera :5:: 2·63% Odonata 0 3.87% I )> z

Trichoptera 54.65% Trichoptera 52.41%

Fig. 2 : Percentage compositionof Macro-Benthic Animals of Gau/a River BENTHIC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER 55

Table 2 : Average annu~l percentage contribution of various macro-benthic animals at three sampling sites of River Gaula.

GROUPS/TAXA SITE I SITE II SITE III

EPHEMEROPTERA Epeorus 26.47 30.77 33.57 Heptagenia 11.34 10.99 7.00 Rhithrogenia 15.97 7.14 12.59 Caenis 4.20 6.59 2.80 Baetis 16.39 14.84 11.19 Ephemerella 7.98 13.19 7.00 Echdyonurus 8.40 1.54 7.68 Iron 5.88 3.85 9.08 Leptophlebia 2.10 1.09 Ameletus 1.27 8.40 Paramelatus 0.69 ODONATA Argus 3.92 4.26 11.63 Gomphus 45.10 25.53 37.21 Octogomphus 15.68 8.51 Agrion 15.69 21-28 32.56 Ophiogomphus 4.25 13.95 /schnura 19.61 36.17 4.65 PLECOPTERA Perla 32.76 28.12 21.43 Chloroperla 27.59 18.75 28.57 Nemoura 36.21 50.00 45.24 Leuctra 3.44 3.13 4.76 HEMIPTERA Micronecta 100.00 81.82 100.00 Corixa 18.18 COLEOPTERA Psephenus 72.84 83.33 85.56 Elm is 17.28 11.54 6.67 Ectopria 8.64 3.33 Eubrianex 1.28 4.4 Hydrena 1.24 2.57 Dysticus 1.28 TRICHOPTERA Hydropsyche 61.52 63.86 62.80 Rhyacophylla 21.77 18.52" 27.68 Phyllopotamus 15.70 17.32 9.52 Mystacids 0.38 0.70 lthytrychia 0.63 Contd.... 56 MADAN MOHAN

GROUPSffAXA SITE I SITE II SITE III DIPTERA Chironomus 40.58 47.34 63.53 Atherix 14.50 17.55 14.12 Dixa 1.93 1.06 Tabanus 16.91 9.04 3.52 Chaoborus 14.01 8.52 8.23 Cullicoides 1.45 Simulium 8.70 14.36 10.59 Pentaneura 1.44 2.13 Psychoda 0.48 MISC.ITEMS Crab 100.00 100.00 100.00 FISH Nemacheilus 100.00 10.00 Barilius 90.00 Schizothorax 66.67 Glyptothorax 33.33 quantity at Station III. They were Availability of these groups was represented by Psephenus, Elmis, inconsistent. This group was Ectopria, Eubrianex, Hydraina and represented by Nemacheilus, Barilius, Dysticus. Schizothorax and Glyptothorax among Diptera-The midge larvae were fishes, Paratelphusa masoniana among available almost all over the year at all crabs. the three stations of Gaula river. In Diversity And Abundance of Benthic pooled data their share was estimated Invertebrates- as 14.06%. Surprisingly, their Data from 18 months sampling at the contribution was very poor during three stations of some commonly monsoon months at all the three stations. occuring genera which occurred at least The group is represented by larvae of during four months have been Chironomus, Tabanus, Chaoborus, summarised in Tables 3-5 . As can be Atherix, Simulium, Pentaneura, seen from these tables, only Psychoda and Cullicoides (Table,5). Hydropsyche occurred throughout the Miscellanous Items-The numerical year at Station I and II while others like contribution of these items to the benthic Rhycophylla, Phyllopotamus, Epeorus, macro-biota was insignificant, but in Chironomus, Tabanus and Psephenus terms of wet biomass their share was occurred during several months. This substantial due to their individual weight. reflects the seasonality of occurrence of BENTHIC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER 57

Table 3: Annual mean number, number of months when taxa recorded and Co-efficient of Variation of different macro-benthic taxa at Station I of River Gaula. GROUP TAXA MEAN MONTHS c.v. EPHEMEROPTERA Epeorus 3.5 13 79 Heptagenia 1.5 10 53 Rhithrogenia 2.11 10 119 Caenis 0.55 5 32 Baetis 2.16 7 86 Ephemerella 1.05 5 31 Echdyonurus 1.11 5 42 Iron 0.77 5 74 ODONATA Argus 3.92 4.26 11.63 Gomphus 1.28 9 59 Agrion 0.44 4 36 lschnura 0.55 5 45 PLECOPTERA Perla 1.06 6 88 Chloroperla 0.89 4 73 Nemoura 1.16 8 83 COLEOPTERA Psephenus 3.28 12 61 Elm is 0.78 6 42 Ectopria 0.39 4 25 TRICHOPTERA Hydro psyche 27.00 18 86 Rhycophylla 9.55 15 65 Phyllopotamus 6.89 9 59 DIPTERA Chiranomus 4.67 12 101 Atherix 1.67 8 97 Tabanus 1.94 12 76

in each sample unit. This also indicates most of the genera. The other genera, the present status of each genera's however, occurred only during few occurrence and abundance in Gaula months. This gives an impression of nver~ relative abundance of various genera at sampling stations. For example, it can The value of coefficient of variation be seen that an average of about 27 in these tables demonstrates the individuals of Hydropsyche at Station I, variability of each population size, 24 individuals at Station II and 12 seasonal nature of the general stream individuals at Station III were available and range of life cycle among different 58 MADAN MOHAN

Table 4 : Annual mean numbers, number of months when taxa recorded and Co-effi- dent of Variation of different macrobenthic taxa at Station II of River Gaula GROUP TAXA MEAN MONTHS c.v. EPHEMEROPTE:RA Epeorus 3.111 11 79 fleptagenia 1.11 7 90 Rhithroqenia 0.72 7 45 Caenis 0.67 6 50 Baetis 1.5 6 100 Ephemerella 1.33 6 35 Echdyonurus 1.17 4 56 ODONATA Gomphus 0.65 5 45 Agrion 0.55 5 44 Ischnura 0.94 5 44 PLECOPTERA Perla 0.50 4 35 Chloroperla 0.33 4 33 Nemoura 0.89 4 69 COLEOPTERA Psephenus 3.61 11 82 Elmis 0.50 5 22 TRICHOPTF.RA Hydropsyche 22.55 18 105 Rhycophylla 6.83 12 85 Phyllopotamus 6.39 11 63 DIPTF.RA Chironomus 4.94 13 136 Atherix 1.83 9 106 Tabanus 0.94 6 69 Chaoborus 0.89 5 70 Simulium 1.50 7 63 taxa of macro-benthic animals. This Rhithrogenia each occurred during 10 parameter has revealed very interesting months but had entirely different values phenomenon in the distribution and ofC.V. being 53% and 119%. Similarly, occurrence of some important genera Ephemeralla and Caenis, Echdyonurus present during most of the months. As and Iron also occurred during 5 months can be seen from the Table that of which the former two taxa showed Ephemeralla and Caenis at Station I similar C. V. values but the later two taxa occurred in 5 months but has shown very had C.V. value· of 42% and 74% low value of C. V. being 31% and 32%. respectively. The most common genera On the other hand, Heptagenia and_ of may fly, Epeorus had C.V. value of BENTHIC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER 59

Table 5 : Annual mean numbers, number of months when taxa recorded and Co-effi­ cient of Variation of different macrobenthic taxa at Station III of River Gaula. GROUP TAXA MEAN MONTHS c.v. EPHEMEROPTERA Epeorus 2.67 13 58 Heptagenia 0.57 4 25 Rhithrogenia 1.00 7 80 Baetis 0.89 6 31 Ephemerella 0.56 3 38 Echdyonurus 0.61 4 54 Iron 0.72 4 59 ODONATA Gomphus 0.89 6 70 PLECOPTERA Perla 0.50 4 48 Nemoura 1.06 5 54 COLEOPTERA Psephenus 4.28 12 92 Elmis 0.33 4 58 TRICHOPTERA Hydropsyche 11.72 15 74 Rhycophylla 5.17 14 109 Phyllopotamus 1.78 5 65 DIPTERA Chironomus 3.00 145" 56 Chaoborus 0.39 5 57

not shown much variations. The higher 79% at Station I and II and 58% at and erratic values of C. V. indicates their Station III. For Ephemeralla C.V., value population to be more variable during was very low and similar at all the three different months of the year which may stations while for Heptagenia and be due to additions of individuals to the Rhithrogenia C.V. value fluctuated population at regular intervals. This also considerably. suggests bivoltine, trivoltine or even Among caddis fly, Hydropsyche multivoltine way of life cycle in these which occurred throughout the period genera. Similar is the case with midge of observations at Station I and II and larvae of Chironomus and Atherix. during 15 months at Station III had C.V. The genera of Odonata such as value of 86%, 105% and 74% Gomphus, Agrion and Ischnura have respectively. ,The other genera shown quite low values of C.V. which Rhycophylla which occurred in most of may be passing longer period of life in the months show C.V. value of 65%, Gaul a river. Genera of Plecoptera have 85% and 109% whilePhyllopotamushas 60 MADAN MOHAN shown low value of C. V. at Station II chemical and biological parameters and III but higher value at Station I. This indicated that these animals were may perhaps be due to drifting of these abundant in Gaula river when epiphytic species from upper reaches helping these algae remained abundant, river is well populations to stabilise. This may also oxygenated, alkaline and contains be due to univoltine type oflife cycle as sufficient nutrients but are less abundant most of these genera occurred during during high velocity of water, high river few months of the year. depth and higher turbid water (Table 6).other details about water chemistry From the above observations it is clear that macro-benthic population in are given in Table 7. Gaula river is diversified and vary in its DISCUSSION occurrence and abundance depicting Several investigations have been various types of life cycle. made on the nature, density and ecology Correlation ('r' value) of Benthic of the macro-benthic animals of Indian Macro-Biota with Physico-chemical rivers and streams. Singh and Nautiyal Parameters ( 1990) studied benthic fauna of river· Ganga in its hill journey from Gangotri The statistical analysis to find out the to Rishikesh ( Road distance 312 km ) relationship between benthic macro­ from 3812 m to 325 m downward animals and some important physico- altitude. In the whole stretch of river,

Table 6: Correlation ('r' value) of Macro-benthic Animals With Physico- chemical And Biological Parameters. Parameters Station I Station II Station III Pooled Water Temp (°C) -0.8165 -0.7376 -0.8739 -0.7424 Water Velocity (mls) -0.9258 -0.5102 -0.7397 -0.9972 River Depth (m) -0.8886 0.5103 -0.3030 -0.9129 Thrbidity.(NTU) -0.8655 -0.5304 -0 7232 -0.9206 Total Alkalinity (mgll) 0.1695 -0.1816 0.2f18 0.6905 Conductivity (mhos) -0.0063 0.1978 0.2224 0.6636 Dissolved Oxygen (mgll) 0.8932 0.5159 0.7965 0.9544 Total Hardness (mgll) 0.7377 0.4078 0.3021 0.7804 Phytoplankton 0.2980 -0.1210 -0.0970 0.0440 Epiphytic biota 0.8040 0.4500 0.4360 0.5870 Zooplankton 0.8070 0.1680 0.1130 0.3560 Table 7: Correlation ('r' value) among various water quality parameters in River Gaula (pooled date)

ParameterW. Temp.Fiow R.DepthTransp.Turbid. PH TDSConduct. TAL D02 C02 Total Ca+ Mg+ Cl- Na+ K+ N03- P04- 8103- hardness

W.temp. 1.000 FlowR. 0.612 1.000 Depth 0.371 0.941 1.000 OJ Transp. -0.948 -0.821 -0.647 1.000 m z Turbid. 0.477 0.941 0.987* -0.732 -I 1.000 I pH -0.079 -0.07 4 0.161 -0.066 0.249 1.000 () $: TDS 0.720 0.916 0.733 -0.834 0.728 -0.422 1.000 )> () Conduct. 0.162 -0.658 -0.856 0.160 -0.784 -0.224 -0.374 1.000 JJ 0 I TAL 0.166 -0.691 -0.876 0.206 -0.812-0.223 -0.410 -0.999** 1.000 OJ DO -0.861 -0.918 -0.739 0.956* -0.780 0.202 -0.958* 0.305 0.347 1.000 0 2 ~ co -0.761 -0.516 -0.482 0.800 -0.618 -0.581 -0.362 0.094 0.132 0.611 1.000 2 z Total -0.111 -0.815 -0.961* 0.422 -0.925 -0.270 -0.540 0.960* 0.972* 0.526 0.345 1.000 G) )> hardness c r Ca+ -0.114 -0.814 -0.961" 0.424 -0.927 -0.278 -0.537 0.959* 0.971 * 0.525 0.352 1.000** 1.000 )> JJ Mg+ -0.075 -0.821 -0.952* 0.387 -0.898 -0.145 ~0.5790.970* 0.980* 0.527 0.237 0.991 ** 0.989* 1.000

30 taxa of macro invertebrates macro-benthic samples but also in dominated by Ephemeroptera followed zooplankton and epiphytic algae by Diptera and Trichoptera. Mohan and samples. The second peak was observed B isht ( 1991) recorded species of insects in January at Station III and third peak belonging to 37 families from River in May. This indicates that other than Bhagirathi and Bhilangana. Sehgal may flies which appear to lead univoltine ( 1991) recorded 57 genera of insects type of life, caddis fly and midge larvae from 11 rivers of North-Western indulge in multivoltinism in Gaula river. Himalaya. Joshi (1991) observed 50 The great variability of a stony genera of insects from Sherkhad stream stream, bed which offers numerous in Himachal Pradesh. Bhatt and Pathak different microinhabitat is the most (1992) recorded 68 genera of insects important factor which determines the from various rivers of Kumaon region distribution and abundance of macro­ and 37 taxa from Gaul a river. During the benthic· animals. The substratum acts present investigations, a total of 48 directly as a medium for their existence genera of macro-benthic animals were and indirectly as modified of their micro­ recorded. environment (Minshall, 1984). There Sehgal (1990) reported univoltine may be many types of these habitats type of life cycle in may flies and stone within even a small portion of stream. flies but caddis larvae exhibit They are partly determined by the speed multivoltine type of life in upper reaches of the current but often varies of River Beas in Himachal Pradesh. considerably according to the kind, size During the present studies in Gaula river, and shapes of the stones, over or round may flies exhibited peak in November, which the water flows. In India, February and May of which the peak in Hora(1936) conducted premier February was strongest due to the investigations on benthic invertebrates addition of new arrivals in the and considered substratum as an population. In the case of caddis fly, clear important factor in the ecology of peak was seen in their numerical density torrential fauna. Sehgal(1988, 1991) during November, February and May in dealt with this aspect in detail and which newly entrants to population were provided authentic explanations Negi prominently observed in November and and Singh (1990) dealt with substratum May along with larger sized cohorts. in relation to bottom fauna of river Among the midge larvae, Chironomus Alaknanda in Garhwal Himalaya. In had its peak density in September just at Gaula river, substratum near Herakhan the end of Southwest monsoon when comprised of big and small stones and newly hatched (almost transparent) boulders ; at Station II near proposed Chironomus were collected not only in Jamrani Dam site has small and big BENTHIC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER 63 stones and sandy ; at Station III near In Indian waters, Khan and Tandon Ranibagh, the site is mostly of sand, small ( 1941) in their study on reappearance pebbles and small stones. The average of benthic invertebrates in River Beas annual numerical density at Station I was observed that on an average period 2 estimated as 80.27 ind./m , at Station II taken by the upland river fauna to 67.5 ind./m2 and at Station III 41.94 in d./ reappear after complete wash off is 2 m · This indicates that macro-benthic about 63 hours during March compared fauna in Gaula river prefer river bed to 138 hours in October.In Gaula river substratum comprised of small and big may flies were least available in August stones and boulders where average and September 1992 may be due to thus density of fauna was almost double when wiping out completely. In the first week compared with sandy habitats at Station of September 1992, a big part of III. A good number of Epeorus (15 ind./ landslides containing large and heavy 2 m ) were collected by washing clusters boulders blocked Gaula river between of filamentous green algae Zygnema and sampling stations. II and III . This Tribonema in September 1993 at Station persisted for about a week when I and in October 1993 at Station II. The Irrigation Department Engineers blasted 2 nymphs of Rhithrogenia (17 ind./m ) and off the blockade. When sampling was 2 Baetis ( 13 ind./m ) were collected from done at Stations II and III after weather small crevices of submerged stones with conditions returned to normal, very low the help of a dropper. But midge larvae density of benthic invertebrates was particularly Chironomus in their early recorded. But a good number of 2 larval forms were found accumulated (26 · Epeorus ( 15 units/m ) were observed. 2 2 ind./m ). at Station I and 37 ind./m at After this main physical disturbance of Station II) along with lesser density of flash floods which increased the depth Atherix ( 10 ind./m2 at Station II) under of the river, water velocity and finally a thin algal biofilm near ~he bank of river turbidity subsequently brought down in the month of September 1993 when numerical density and wet biomass of water velocity at these two sampling benthic animals. The settlement of may stations was considerable. The omnivore flies started and attained their first peak 2 Hydropsyche, Rhycophilla and (24 units/m ) in November. Their Phyllopotamus were mostly collected by density came down in December and kicking stones as they were mostly January but again got colonised in good 2 available in between these microhabitats quantity ( 48 units/m ) at sampling and only few of them were attached to Station I. Again a minor peak ( 11 units/ 2 stones. Water penny Psephenus and m ) in may fly density was observed in Elmis were collected by washing stones May. Almost the same trend was as they remain attached to them. observed at other two sampling stations. It appears that caddis larvae are far 64 MADAN MOHAN quicker in colonising process than in temperature and also to dissolved others. At sampling station I, only 6 oxygen. Krueger and Waters (1983) units/m2 of caddis fly larvae recorded suggested that secondary production rising to 44 units/m2 in October and 101 was greatly affected by chemical nature units/m2 in November which was the of water. These studies suggested that numerical maxima. Like may flies, their macro benthic invertebrates density may density came down in December and increase directly through elevated January but regrouped again in February periphyton standing crops or 2 (88 units/m ). Subsequently their density productivity. Other studies have came down in March and April and due demonstrated positive relationship to increase in Rhycophilla density between alkalinity and macro­ 2 established their third peak ( 61 units/m ) invert~brate density. La Perreire ( 1983) in May. Midge larvae (Diptera) showed found significant correlation between their maximum density in September drift density and alkalinity in 13 Alaskan 2 1993 at Station I ( 45 units/m ) and streams. Waters (1961) also found a 2 Station II ( 69 units/m ) and in January positive relationship between alkalinity 2 1993 at Station III (20 units/m ). It is and macro-invertebrate biomass in five surprising that average annual number Minnesota streams. Hershey et al of midge larvae came down from 11.5 ( 1993) found reduced drift from units/m2 at Station I to 10.4 units/m2 at enriched sections of streams. Koetsier Station II to 4. 7 units/m2 at Station III. et al (1996) observed that macro­ Few studies have established invertebrates biomass showed a significant positive relationship with correlation between enhanced ionic concentrations and benthic animals and alkalinity. The present studies in Gaula river, benthic invertebrate biomass their biomass. In Scottish highland demonstrated positive relationship with streams, Egglishaw and Morgan ( 1965) hardness of water ( r= 0.850), alkalinity fixed certain limits in values of alkalinity. (r = 0.733) and specific conductivity They concluded that low benthic (r=0.701). Dobriyal et al (1992) also densities occurred in streams with alkalinity less than 20 mg whereas reported positive relationship betw~en benthic community and alkalinity benthic invertebrates density was quite (r=0.87) in Nayar river of Garhwal high in streams with alkalinities higher Himalaya. than 20 mg. Feldman and Connor (1992) observed a threshold of alkalinity at 50 mg. They observed that alkalinities ACKNOWLEDGEMENT below 50 mg may create physiological problems in some genera especially The author expresses his sincere Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera. Perhaps thanks to late Dr. V. P. Agrawal, these groups are more prone to changes Former Principal and Head of Zoology BENTHIC MACRO-BIOTA IN GAULA RIVER 65

Department, D.A. V. College Dobriyal, A.K., Neeraj Kumar, C.B. Muzaffernagar and Dr. K. L. Sehgal, Kotnala, A.K. Bahuguna and Former Director, N. R. C. on Coldwater H.R. Singh., 1992. Preliminary Fisheries for their guidance. observations on seasonal trends REFERENCES in macro-zoo benthic diversity in the River Nayar of Garhwal Anon., 1993. Final Report on the Himalaya. In Recent project, Studies on Bio-ecology Researches in Coldwater of a mountain river, the Gaula Fisheries (Ed.) K.L. Sehgal, in Kumaon., NRC-CWF, p. Today and Tomorrow's Printers Badola, S.P. and H.R. Singh., 1981. and Publishers, New Delhi, pp. Hydrobiology of the River 119-127. Alaknanda of the Garhwal Egglishaw, H.J. and N.C. Morgan., Himalaya., Indian J. Ecol., 8 :· 1965. A survey of the bottom 269-276. fauna of stream in the Scottish Bhatt, S.D. and R.K. Pande., 1991. Highlands. ·Part II. The Ecology ofthe Mountain waters. relationship of the fauna to the Ashish Publ. House, Delhi. 380p. chemical and geological conditions. Hydrobiologia, 26: Bhatt, S.D. and J.R~ Pathak., 1992. 173-183. Himalayan Environment: Water Quality of the drainage basins. Feldman, R.S. and E.F. Connor., Shree Book Depot, 1992. The relationship between Almora. 318 p. pH and community structure of invertebrates in streams of the Dobriyal, A.K., 1985. Ecology of Shenandoah National Park, limnofauna in the small streams Virginia, USA. Freshwat. Biol., and their importance. The village 27: 261-276. life in Garhwal Himalaya. J. Zool., 5 : 139-144. Hershey, A.E., J Pastor, B.J. Peterson and C.W. King., 1993. Stable Dobriyal, A.K. and H.R. Singh., 1988. isotope resolve the drift paradox Ecological basis for for Baetis mayflies in an Arctic ichthyofaunal variations in two river. Ecology, 74: 2315-2325. hillstreams of Garhwal Himalaya, In: M. Mohan Joseph Hora, S.L., 1936. Nature of substratum (Ed.), The First Indian Fisheries as an important factor in the Forum Proceedings. Asian ecology of torrential fauna. Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. India, 2 : Mangalore, pp. 313-317. 45-47. 66 MADAN MOHAN

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Pathani, S.S., 1990. The lotic water Sehgal, K.L., 1991. Distributional fisheries of Kumaon Himalaya. pattern, structural modifications In : Himalayas Environment and and diversity of benthic biota in Development, pp. 276-284: mountain streams of north-west Himalayas. In : Ecology of Sehgal, K.L., 1966. Report on Mountain Waters., S.D. Bhatt Coldwater fisheries of Kashmir and R.K. Pande (Eds. ), Ashish streams. CIFRI, Mimeo. lOp. Publ. House New Delhi. 198- 250. Sehgal, K.L., 1971. Report on the Singh, H.R. and P. Nautiyal., 1990. survey of coldwater fishery Altitudinal changes and the resources and their development impact of municipal sewage on in Kerala. CIFRI, CWF. Rep., 5 the community structure of : 12 pp. macrobenthic insects in the Sehgal, K.L. J.P. Shukla and K.L. torrential changes of the River Shah., 1971. Observations on in the Garhwal the fisheries of Kangra Valley Himalaya. Acta. Hydrobiol., 32 and adjacent areas with special (2-4): 407-421. reference to mahseer and other Sunder, S. and B.A. Subia., 1986. indigenous fish. J. Inland Fish. Macrobenthic fauna of a Soc. India., 8 : 64-71. Himalayan river. Indian J. Ecol., Sehgal, K.L., 1988. Ecology and 13: 127-132. Fisheries of the mountain Ward, J.V. and R.G. Dufford., 1979. streams of North-Western Longi~udinal and seasonal Himalayas. Thesis approved for distribution of D.Sc. degree, Meerut University macroinvertebrates and epilithic Meerut. algae in a Colorado springrook­ Sehgal, K.L., 1990. Report on the pond system. Arch. Hydrobiol., impact of construction and ·86 : 284-321. completion of Beas-Sutlej Link Waters, T.F., 1961. Standing crop and (BSL) project on limnology and drift of stream bottom fisheries ofR.Beas. CIFRIINRC­ organisms. Ecology, 42: 53 CWF, Publ. 45 p. 547.