Benthic macroinvertebrate dynamics and responses to environmental factors in spring habitats of Kashmir Himalaya

Understanding the dynamics of the macroinvertebrate community and the environmental influences is crucial for effective management and conservation of springs. This study examines diversity and spatio-temporal variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages across 12 spring habitats in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Macroinvertebrates were collected, sorted, identified, and enumerated from spring habitats on a seasonal basis from 2013 to 2015, and subjected to various statistical tests. Through statistical tests, significant distinctions are observed among springs and seasons. Permutational analysis of variance showed significant differences in macroinvertebrate assemblages across springs and seasons using both abundance and presence–absence data. Alpha diversity metrics depict variations in richness and Shannon’s H across springs. β-diversity evaluation reveals significant differences in macroinvertebrate assemblages across springs based on abundance and presence–absence data. So, the spring sites present homogeneity in group dispersion (composition varies similarly) while having significantly different compositions. Physicochemical factors like temperature, dissolved oxygen, sulphate, nitrate-nitrogen, and substrate heterogeneity strongly influence the assemblage. In addition, substrate heterogeneity, perennial flow, and spring size also played an important role in explaining the assemblage patterns. The present study provides important information on the impact of environmental factors on the ecological characteristics of macroinvertebrate assemblages vital for effective conservation and monitoring.