标题：Impacts of Anthropogenic Disturbances on Macroinvertebrate Communities in Streams of Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve, Catanduanes, Philippines and the Need for Conservation
摘要：Macroinvertebrate communities at nine streams located in three towns (Virac, Bato, and San Miguel) spanning
the Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve in Catanduanes, Philippines, were assessed in terms of their responses
to three anthropogenic disturbances: domestic, agricultural, and quarry. Macroinvertebrate sampling was
done using a 1m2
bottom kick net. A total of 62 macroinvertebrate taxa distributed to 53 Families were identified.
Insect orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera which are known indicators of good water quality,
were relatively abundant in most streams compared to other groups. Macroinvertebrate density and richness
in relatively undisturbed stations were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those recorded in streams with quarrying
activities, which fall in Q3 of SIGNAL 2 biplot, suggesting negative effects of quarrying. Macroinvertebrate
density showed positive correlation with dissolved oxygen and stream depth, width, and velocity, and was found
to increase upstream with increasing stream width. Macroinvertebrate taxa richness generated a negative correlation
to stream width and temperature. Overall, most streams in Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve are still
in good condition however, with the negative effects of anthropogenic activities, condition of streams may
change without proper watershed management. This study demonstrates the need to further strengthen policies
on stream management to protect and conserve them.
