Reduction of riparian arthropod abundance and diversity as a consequence of giant reed ( Arundo donax ) invasion

摘要: The non-indigenous perennial grass, Arundo donax, is an aggressive invader of riparian areas throughout California and many sub-tropical regions the world, hypothesized to provide poorer quality habitat for native wildlife in systems. We sampled aerial ground-dwelling insects other terrestrial arthropods associated with Arundo, willow vegetation (Salix spp.), mixtures two types during seasons determine how influences invertebrate composition a low gradient stream central California. total number organisms, biomass taxonomic richness invertebrates was approximately twice that vegetation, while mixed supported intermediate arthropod levels. Shannon-Weaver (Weiner) diversity stands also higher than vegetation. Ground-dwelling assemblages did not show differences as great which are more critical foraging avian species. These results indicate type significant factor reducing abundance this, presumably ecosystems where this invasive species has become dominant component. invasion changes structure zones turn, may increasingly jeopardize its value birds whose diets largely composed found