Diversity and abundance of mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) in Achenkovil River, southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Authors

  • S. Sujitha PG & Research Department of Zoology, St. Stephen’s College, Maloor College P.O., University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 689695, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1210-6876
  • R. Sreejai PG & Research Department of Zoology, St. Stephen’s College, Maloor College P.O., University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 689695, India. image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2387-8444
  • C. Selvakumar Department of Zoology, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4296-5682

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8258.16.5.25157-25165

Keywords:

ANOVA, biodiversity indices, D-frame nets, ecosystem, exotic species, environment parameters, freshwater, hemimetabolous,, species richness, van veen grab

Abstract

Freshwater insects like Ephemeroptera are more comprehensive and direct indicators of the biological impacts of pollution. During the study period (2018–2020), a total of 4,374 individuals of mayflies were collected and categorized under nine families, 27 genera, and 36 species. The family Leptophlebiidae was found dominant with 13 species. In the post-monsoon season, a higher species diversity of Ephemeroptera was noticed in the river’s upstream section with a Shannon-Wiener index value of H’ = 1.814. ANOVA revealed a significant difference (p <0.05) except for Ephemeridae (p >0.05). Protecting rivers requires a holistic approach and collaboration among stakeholders is essential for successful implementation.

Author Biographies

S. Sujitha, PG & Research Department of Zoology, St. Stephen’s College, Maloor College P.O., University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 689695, India.

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R. Sreejai, PG & Research Department of Zoology, St. Stephen’s College, Maloor College P.O., University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 689695, India.

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C. Selvakumar, Department of Zoology, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India.

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26-05-2024

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