EFFECTS OF LOW FLOW ON INVASION PROCESS OF EXOTIC STREAM INVERTEBRATES

Abstract

 This study aimed to demonstrate recent invasion status and low-flow resistance of two exotic invertebrates, Pyasa acuta and Crangonyx floridanus, in Shigenobu River, Ehime, Japan. Six years of longitudinal survey revealed that density of these two invasive species were high in the middle and lower segments of the mainstem, in which stream habitats were degraded. Furthermore, the distribution of Crangonyx floridanus appeared to expand toward upstream along the river. A short-term survey during a descending flow showed that Crangonyx floridanus decreased along with other major invertebrate taxa. In contrast, relative abundance of Pyasa acuta increased as flow decreased, indicating that this invasive species has relatively high resistance to low flow. Thus, low flow was suggested to facilitate the invasion of Pyasa acuta.