Research Article
Diversity and Community Structure of a Riparian Forest Community on Denton Creek, City of Grapevine, Tarrant County, Texas (U.S.A.)
David Alan Rolbiecki*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-21
Received:
8 December 2024
Accepted:
23 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.eeb.20251001.11
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Abstract: Data comprising the location, size, and frequency of occurrence of 1,300 bottomland riparian trees along a 4,300 ft (1,311 m) stretch of Denton Creek in Grapevine, Texas, was captured. Twenty-five separate species were determined from fourteen different families whose diameter at breast height (DBH) was three inches (7.62 cm) or greater. Elms were the most frequently occurring trees, with Hackberry and American Elm the predominant species. Most occurrences of trees were between 3-12 inches (7.62-30.48 cm) DBH. Brillouin's index of diversity (H) was 1.00 out of a maximum possible diversity (H max) of 1.29, indicating that this community has high species diversity, in spite of the fact that trees less than 3 inches DBH were not included in the survey. Relative diversity according to the evenness (J) ratio of H and H max was 0.78, suggesting that this community is nearly 80% at its maximum possible diversity. In terms of ecological importance, this riparian community is rich in habitat diversity and provides vegetative and protective cover for both flora and fauna, habitat niche, breeding sites and plant distribution. In terms of human importance, the site has economic importance, both as a source of crop and domestic animal production, erosion control, water conservation, and land value.
Abstract: Data comprising the location, size, and frequency of occurrence of 1,300 bottomland riparian trees along a 4,300 ft (1,311 m) stretch of Denton Creek in Grapevine, Texas, was captured. Twenty-five separate species were determined from fourteen different families whose diameter at breast height (DBH) was three inches (7.62 cm) or greater. Elms were ...
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Research Article
Current Status of Fish Species Diversity and Relative Abundance of Beko and Gacheb Rivers, Southwest Ethiopia: Implication for Fishery Opportunity
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
22-33
Received:
3 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
27 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.eeb.20251001.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Ethiopia, a landlocked country, relies on inland waters for fish, a vital low-cost protein source. Its standing water bodies span 7000 km², with rivers extending 8,065 km, supporting diverse aquatic life. The fish production potential is estimated at 94,500 tons per year, with around 200 species, 191 native and 9 introduced, and yet thorough investigation is in need. Despite progress, research on Ethiopian fish diversity remains incomplete due to the country's vast area (1.1 million km²) and limited surveys. Therefore, this study investigated fish species diversity and relative abundance in the Beko and Gacheb Rivers, highlighting implications for sustainable fish production. This study was carried out using cross-sectional observational study, and a total of 193 fish samples were collected during dry (April-May 2017) and wet (October-November 2017) seasons using gill nets with varying mesh sizes. Fish samples were identified to species level using taxonomic keys, and their total length and total weight were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1g, respectively. Samples were preserved in 10% formalin and stored at Mizan-Tepi University Zoological-Sciences Laboratory. Relative abundance was determined by diversity indices and well-being of fish species was determined by using Fulton’s condition factor. The study recorded three fish species (Lates niloticus, Lates forskalii, and Oreochromis niloticus), with L. forskalii being the most abundant. Three species from the same family were identified, with a diversity index (H=2.52) indicating higher diversity than reported in other studies. The evenness index showed fair representation of species by individuals. The diversity and abundance indices revealed slight variations between sampling sites, with no dominant species observed, indicating complete evenness. Water quality parameters were within acceptable limits for aquatic life. Fish distribution was influenced by physicochemical factors and human activities, while promising fishery opportunities exist due to the presence of commercially important species, high demand, year-round water availability, and a strong fish market. These findings highlight the need for sustainable resource management and further research on fish biology and socioeconomic aspects.
Abstract: Ethiopia, a landlocked country, relies on inland waters for fish, a vital low-cost protein source. Its standing water bodies span 7000 km², with rivers extending 8,065 km, supporting diverse aquatic life. The fish production potential is estimated at 94,500 tons per year, with around 200 species, 191 native and 9 introduced, and yet thorough invest...
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