An Evaluation of Aquatic Habitats at Edwards Air Force Base, California
Abstract
Quantitative (Petite Ponar sampler) and qualitative methods (dip net, collection by hand of aquatic plants and algae for attached macroinvertebrates) were used to sample aquatic habitats at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, California, in October 1995, March 1996, and May 1996. The area that supported the greatest number of aquatic macroinvertebrates was Piute Pond. Comparatively fewer aquatic species and individuals were present in Branch Pond, which had been drained and dredged 4 months prior to the start of the survey. A pond near a sewage lagoon was virtually void of aquatic organisms. Ephemeral ponds or clay pans at the base supported mainly crustaceans (including tadpole, clam, and fairy shrimp), and some immature flies (chironomids). Overall, the macroinvertebrate fauna at the base was dominated by chironomid larvae (immature flies), oligochaete worms, and the amphipod Hyalella azteca with fewer numbers of snails and leeches. No federally listed threatened or endangered species were collected. Water bodies at the base do not support large numbers of immature caddisflies and mayflies, which are commonly found in permanent water bodies throughout North America.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389118
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center