Diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in White-bellied Heron landscape Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu River, Bhutan

Abstract

Freshwater biodiversity contributes diverse ecosystem services. However, it is also the most vulnerable to degradation and extinction due to anthropogenic activities and climate change. There is limited information on benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in major rivers of Bhutan although it is an integral component of freshwater ecosystems. We assessed two major rivers of Bhutan Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu to establish baseline information on benthic macroinvertebrates. The samples were collected from the littoral zone of the river using a modified D-frame net. The study recorded 3375 individuals belonging to 10 orders and 39 families. The dominant order was Ephemeroptera followed by Trichoptera. There was no significant difference of diversity indices between post and pre-monsoon season (p>0.05) but significant difference of abundance (P