Effect of Typha domingensis cutting: response of benthic macroinvertebrates and macrophyte regeneration

Authors

  • Thiago Cesar Lima Silveira Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Ecologia Aquática
  • Gilberto Gonçalves Rodrigues Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente
  • Gabriela Peixoto Coelho de Souza Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Ciências Econômicas, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas Econômica
  • Norma Luiza Würdig Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Invertebrados Bentônicos

Keywords:

disturbance, bioindication, vegetal management, aquatic macrophytes, non-wood products

Abstract

Wetlands are important because they have high biodiversity and are considered, by environmental agencies, permanently protected areas due to their importance to conservation. In Southern Brazil the aquatic macrophyte Typha domingensis is harvested to be used in the manufacture of handicraft, being an important income source to small farmers. This work aims to test the cut effect of T. domingensis on benthic macroinvertebrates as well as on macrophyte regeneration. These phenomena were analyzed in small areas (1 m²) in a T. domingensis stand by comparing cut treatments and control treatments. Macroinvertebrate were sampled with a corer in the following time sequence after the cut event in both treatments: one day, 26 days, 60 days, 89 days, and 182 days. Macrophyte regeneration was monitored through monthly measurements at each treatment. The macroinvertebrate density did not differ between treatments (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Among the 23 taxa identified, Tubificidae was the only family to response to cut treatment. DCA showed an overlapping between treatments indicating a not clear pattern. The growth of T. domingensis shoots was not affected by the disturbance. Macrophyte regeneration was quick when comparing the treatments and statistical differences were found in one day after the disturbance and 26 days after the disturbance, whereas no differences were found in the remaining sampling dates (60, 89 and 182 days). Observing the macroinvertebrate response and the T. domingensis regeneration, our results suggest that sustainable use of this macrophyte is possible on a small scale.

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Published

2012-09-01

How to Cite

Silveira, T. C. L., Rodrigues, G. G., Souza, G. P. C. de, & Würdig, N. L. (2012). Effect of Typha domingensis cutting: response of benthic macroinvertebrates and macrophyte regeneration. Biota Neotropica, 12(3). Retrieved from //www.biotaneotropica.org.br/BN/article/view/995

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