Freshwater gastropod richness patterns along an urbanization gradient in tropical India

Abstract

Data on the urbanization impact on freshwater biota and ecosystem function are limited from many developing countries despite being recognized as a driver for biodiversity loss. To study these impacts, we analysed the species richness and diversity patterns of freshwater gastropods along a gradient of urbanization in a river system around Pune city, India. We observed a significant reduction in species richness, faunal similarity and an increased proportion of non-native species with increasing urbanization. These impacts were prominent in highly urbanized sites of the rivers suggesting biotic homogenization. Our results underscore the great impacts of urbanization on freshwater biota, highlighting the need for further studies in developing regions.