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<p>Invasive species pose a significant threat to global freshwater biodiversity. The invasive snail <i>Tarebia granifera</i> has been reported to exploit microphytobenthos and detritus, potentially exercising a greater feeding impact compared to other invertebrates. Despite its presence in several important conservation regions in the country, little information exists regarding the effects of <i>T. granifera</i> on South African ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of <i>T. granifera</i> on benthic diatom communities in north-eastern South African river systems. Benthic diatoms, <i>T. granifera</i>, and water samples were collected from three ecologically and economically important river systems and it was determined whether changes in benthic diatom diversity and community structures were associated with differences in <i>T. granifera</i> densities. Results indicated distinct diatom community structures between sites with varying <i>T. granifera</i> densities. Higher densities of <i>T. granifera</i> were associated with decreased diatom species diversity, disrupted functional groups, and alterations in species composition and dominance patterns while sites with fewer or no <i>T. granifera</i> exhibited higher diatom diversity, species richness, and a broader range of functional groups. The study findings support the hypothesis that <i>T. granifera</i> negatively impacts benthic diatom communities, emphasising the need for comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the effects of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems.</p>

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Evaluating the ecological consequences of Tarebia granifera density on benthic diatom communities in South African river systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月4日

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  • Ruan Gerber,
  • Johannes J. Pearson,
  • Anrich Kock,
  • Wynand Malherbe,
  • Lizaan de Necker

摘要

Invasive species pose a significant threat to global freshwater biodiversity. The invasive snail Tarebia granifera has been reported to exploit microphytobenthos and detritus, potentially exercising a greater feeding impact compared to other invertebrates. Despite its presence in several important conservation regions in the country, little information exists regarding the effects of T. granifera on South African ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of T. granifera on benthic diatom communities in north-eastern South African river systems. Benthic diatoms, T. granifera, and water samples were collected from three ecologically and economically important river systems and it was determined whether changes in benthic diatom diversity and community structures were associated with differences in T. granifera densities. Results indicated distinct diatom community structures between sites with varying T. granifera densities. Higher densities of T. granifera were associated with decreased diatom species diversity, disrupted functional groups, and alterations in species composition and dominance patterns while sites with fewer or no T. granifera exhibited higher diatom diversity, species richness, and a broader range of functional groups. The study findings support the hypothesis that T. granifera negatively impacts benthic diatom communities, emphasising the need for comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the effects of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems.