Reducing the deleterious effects of logging on Ephemeroptera communities through reduced impact management

Abstract

Reduced impact logging has emerged as one alternative to reduce the effects of timber harvesting. However, the effects of this method on aquatic ecosystems still need to be tested. We studied the effects of logging (reduced-impact logging—RIL and conventional logging methods—CL) on the chemical water quality and physical habitat conditions of streams in eastern Amazonia, as well as on Ephemeroptera diversity. Were analyzed control streams (without logging—CONTROL), streams with RIL and streams with CL, located in the Capim River Basin. Specimens were collected using a dipnet, following a standard protocol and abiotic data were measured with a multiparameter probe. Conventional logging in proximity to streams increased the conductivity and pH of the water, reduced dissolved oxygen and canopy cover of the stream’s channel, altering the composition of Ephemeroptera when compared with CONTROL and RIL areas. We verified that specialist Ephemeroptera species within control environments were replaced by species more tolerant to changes in the natural habitat conditions. In contrast, there was species similarity between RIL and CONTROL streams.