摘要：Freshwater resources are under stress because of anthropogenic
activities and the demand for water increasing on a global scale,
including hydropower. There are presently plans to expand the
use of hydropower within eastern and southern Africa. A key river
system identified as a potential source of energy is the Pungwe
River, with the proposed Pavua Dam located within the middle
reaches of the system in Mozambique. However, impoundments
have been recorded to negatively influence ichthyofauna communities
via alterations to water quality and discharge.
Furthermore, information on the structure of the ichthyofauna
community, community spatial shifts and fine-scale habitat preferences
for the region are lacking. Accordingly, the research sought
to address this issue, to provide baseline data as well as inform
on management of the system. Ichthyofauna were collected utilising
an array of passive and active techniques and species data
modelled to fit spatial factors to ascertain spatial shifts. To ascertain
fine-scale habitat preferences, fourth-corner modelling was
undertaken to link mouth position and body shape traits to substrate
composition and cover features. Spatial heterogeneity in
environmental characteristics caused by the intrusion of the
African Rift Valley had driven significant spatial shifts in the ichthyofauna
community, with distinct groups of species occurring
within the sample sites. The findings of the study indicated that
the ichthyofauna community within the Muazi River were significantly
different to the Pungwe River and the community will be
lost from the region because of the dam footprint. Furthermore,
habitat preferences were influenced by mouth position and body
shape. Consequently, alteration to environmental characteristics
and habitat features is likely to negatively influence the ichthyofauna
community.
关键词：Pavua Dam ; Muazi River ; hydropower ; feeding guild ; species traits
