Habitat integrity of running waters - assessment criteria and their biological relevance

摘要: Based upon well-known relations between abiotic and biotic components of river systems, habitat assessment can serve as an indirect procedure to evaluate the ecological integrity by demonstrating degree man-induced alterations physical environment. Detailed analysis has been integral part aut- or synecological investigations in aquatic environments. In many countries, however, environment on a larger spatial scale become regular watershed management programmes. A primary methodological aspect large-scale is selection definition evaluation criteria specifically designed identify key functions processes intact systems. Therefore, special emphasis be given integrative parameters, that reflect temporal dynamics running waters well interactions rivers their wetlands. Four groups are discussed within framework relevance for biocoenoses validity severe human impacts water ecosystems: (1) discharge regime; (2) morphological character; (3) lateral connectivity (4) longitudinal corridor.