Information

Ecological parameter:  lateral connectivity preference

Parameter group: region related parameters

Explanation:
Species are classified according to their preferred occurrence in water bodies of different hydrologic characteristics. The categories represent the gradient of lateral connectivity in a floodplain ranging from running waters to different types of standing waters (based on Amoros et al. 1987, Amoros & Roux 1988). The criteria for the habitat types are water permanency, connectivity with the main channel and the coverage by macrophytes.

Amoros, C. & Roux, A.L. (1988): Interaction between water bodies within the floodplains of large rivers: function and development of connectivity. Münstersche Geographische Arbeiten 29: 125-130.
Amoros, C., Roux, A.L., Reygrobellet, J.L., Bravard, J.P. and Pautou, G. (1987), A method for applied ecological studies of fluvial hydrosystems. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management 1: 17-36.


Classification system: 10 point assignment system

Abbreviations:
Category nameAbbreviationExplanation
eupotamoneupmain channel and connected side arms
parapotamonprpside arms connected only at the downstream end at mean water levels
plesiopotamon (including lakes)plpno connectivity with the main channel at mean water levels; coverage by macrophytes does not exceed 20%; lakes included
palaeopotamon (including pools, ponds)papno connectivity with the main channel at mean water levels; coverage by macrophytes exceeds 20%
temporary water bodiestmptemporary pools, water level primarily dependent on ground water levels
indicator weightIWindicator weight
habitat valueHVhabitat value
temporary streamsstreamoccurring in temporary streams
Assigned taxa for each higher systematic unit
TaxagroupNumber of assigned taxa / total number of taxa - percentage
Gastropoda49 / 241 - 20.3%
Bivalvia20 / 77 - 25.9%
Ephemeroptera261 / 353 - 73.9%
Odonata59 / 174 - 33.9%
Trichoptera202 / 1439 - 14%