Hydromorphology meets mammal ecology: river morphological quality, recent channel adjustments and otter resilience.

摘要: The need for a multidisciplinary approach characterizing water bodies in terms of morphological, chemical and ecological quality has hastened the growth hydromorphology as cross-disciplinary topic at interface hydrology, geomorphology ecology. Many authors have analysed how hydroecology may affect freshwater biodiversity, although little is known about this biodiversity might be affected by river morphological quality. We examined well presence semi-aquatic Eurasian otter can predicted rivers' its adjustments over last decades. tested index (MQI) methodology 38 reaches five rivers southern Italy, 23 which were positive to presence. In each reach, we 28 indicators contributing MQI 11 sub-indices. results showed significant relationship between probability otters, MQI, some best performing sub-indices related channel continuity processes. A more detailed analysis detrimental effect incision (>3 m) narrowing, particularly where it occurred simultaneously with development forest new floodplain. processes driven migration banks ponds secondary channels, likely increasing availability dens resting sites hunting capabilities otters. Our stressed importance fluvial dynamics sustainable adaptive management habitat species. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.