Fish Diversity of two major inlet rivers of Lake Malawi: Spatial and Temporal Change
Abstract
164 words
A study to investigate spatial and temporal changes in fish
species diversity of Bua and Linthipe rivers was conducted
between March 2010 and August 2011. Fish was sampled using
a 6.35mm (¼ inch) seine net or by electrofishing in five sites.
Results showed that alpha diversity of the two rivers did not
differ significantly (p>0.05). However, beta diversities of Bua
and Linthipe rivers were significantly different at 95% and 90%,
confidence levels, respectively. Bua had higher beta diversity
(p<0.1). Similarly, species richness along the Bua was higher
than along the Linthipe river. The differences were attributed
to diverse habitat types in Bua compared to Linthipe river and
differences in water quality parameters (e.g. total suspended
solids, chlorophyll a and dissolved oxygen (DO). A management
strategy to arrest the disappearance of river species calls for
an immediate action by authorities. The high diversity in Bua
river system is attributed to the existing Game and Wildlife
reserve allowing for diverse available habitat in the river system.
Subjects
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