title: The influence of connectivity in forest patches, and riparian vegetation width on stream macroinvertebrate fauna.
abstract: We assessed two dimensions of stream connectivity: longitudinal (between forest patches along the stream) and lateral (riparian vegetation), using macroinvertebrate assemblages as bioindicators. Sites representing different land-uses were sampled in a lowland basin that holds a mosaic of protected areas. Land-use analysis, forest successional stages and riparian zone widths were calculated by the GIS analysis. Macroinvertebrate fauna was strongly affected by land-use. We observed a continuous decrease in the number of sensitive species, %Shredders and IBE-IOC biotic index from the upstream protected area to highly deforested sites, increasing again where the stream crosses a Biological Reserve. When analysing buffer strips, we found aquatic fauna responding to land-use alterations beyond the 30 m riparian corridor (60 m and 100 m wide). We discussed the longitudinal connectivity between forest patches and the riparian vegetation buffer strips necessary to hold high macroinvertebrate diversity. We recommend actions for the increase/maintenance of biodiversity in this and other lowland basins.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Florestais, Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 7, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil. ivana_geouff@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Valle
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Buss
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Baptista
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000145:classification*; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D045483:Rivers; D014197:Trees