Hydrobiological studies on Ibiekuma river at Ekpoma, Southern Nigeria, after impoundment: The faunal characteristics

Abstract

A study of a 3 Km stretch of a perennial rainforest stream in southern Nigeria describes the macrobenthic faunal characteristics of pools (dam site stations) and runs. A total of 84 invertebrate taxa made up of 2,535 individuals were recorded. The overall faunal abundance was not significantly different at the study stretch. The abundance of the major taxonomic groups was however significantly different (P < 0.05) at the study stations. Hemiptera and Diptera were the most abundant invertebrate groups recorded. The high number of benthic invertebrates observed is a reflection of the physical and chemical stability of the study stream.