The Physicochemistry, Flora, and Fauna of Intermittent Prairie Streams: A Review of the Literature.
Abstract
Intermittent streams are unique habitats essential to the structure and function of southern Great Plains ecosystems. Unfortunately, they are usually regarded as poor habitat for fish and wildlife and have thus received little protection. This review assesses the physiocochemical characteristics of these inherently unstable streams and summarizes the literature of their flora, macroinvertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. The flora is largely unstudied and inconspicuous with microalgae as the primary producers. Macroinvertebrates dominate the stream fauna. Fish assemblages are dominated by high abundances of relatively few species that can tolerate the seasonally extreme conditions. Little published information exists on the value of these systems to other wildlife, but as portions of riparian systems, they provide critical habitat for many species. Modification of intermittent streams by channelization, removal of riparian vegetation, grazing, construction of headwater impoundments, siltation, and domestic and industrial effluents severely degrades these aquatic systems and nearby terrestrial habitat. Enhanced protection of intermittent streams is an essential component of natural resource management in the southern Great Plains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA322854
Entities
People
- Alexandeer V. Zale
- David M. Leslie Jr.