Assess abundance and diversity of aquatic insects in odoponyi seasonal stream, nagongera subcounty, tororo district
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Date
2024
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Busitema University
Abstract
Aquatic insects play a fundamental irreplaceable ecological role in the intricate web of biodiversity and ecosystems. Despite the importance of aquatic insects in streams, many human activities such as rice growing, sand mining and cattle grazing affect the aquatic ecosystems changing the water quality which in turn affects the abundance and diversity of organisms. This study investigates the abundance and diversity of aquatic insects in the Odoponyi seasonal stream located in Nagongera sub-county, Tororo district, Uganda. A total of 38 insects from 11 families across five orders were collected using the kicknet method, revealing a stark contrast in insect communities between disturbed and undisturbed sites. The undisturbed site, characterized by intact riparian vegetation, hosted a significantly higher abundance of insects (27 individuals) compared to the disturbed site (11 individuals), although the latter exhibited greater species diversity (Shannon index: 1.594 vs. 0.7545). The Gomphidae family was the most abundant, highlighting its ecological importance in maintaining stream health. Results indicate that anthropogenic activities, including cattle grazing and sand mining, negatively affect aquatic insect populations, emphasizing the need for effective management and conservation strategies. This baseline data is crucial for future studies aimed at preserving aquatic ecosystems in the region and inform local stakeholders about sustainable land use practices.
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Nyongesa, P. (2024). Assess abundance and diversity of aquatic insects in Odoponyi Seasonal Stream, Nagongera Subcounty, Tororo District [Undergraduate, Research Report]. Busitema University