Application of the functional habitat concept to the regulated Lower Ord River, Western Australia, Part I, macroinvertebrate assemblages

摘要: This paper tests the applicability of Functional Habitat Concept (FHC) to a lowland tropical river in Australia. The underlying tenet FHC is that in-stream hydrological and physical processes form distinct habitats, where these habitats support macroinvertebrate assemblages they are considered ‘functional’ habitats. concept has been employed northern hemisphere as tool for restoration management, especially easier manage than species, but yet be tested study reports application regulated Lower Ord River (LOR) remote far north Western Seven ‘potential’ habitat units were identified on basis their properties. Multivariate species preference analysis data indicated supported six assemblages, providing (gravel runs rock rapids, sand margins, mud/silt flooded riparian vegetation, emergent submerged macrophyte beds). Macroinvertebrate preferences particular reflected broad ecology life-history characteristics which turn attributes We argue region fauna little studied, there ecological information, valuable approach. For facing increased water abstraction, potentially aids preservation diversity it identifies critical functional managers maintain.