Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams are pivotal corridors for aquatic and terrestrial animals. (19th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sánchez-Montoya, María Mar; Datry, Thibault; Ruhi, Albert; Carlson, Stephanie M; Corti, Roland; Tockner, Klement
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 73:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2023-04-19
• Subjects: animal movement -- flow intermittence -- invertebrate and vertebrate fauna -- nonperennial rivers -- river conservation; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: Rivers are efficient corridors for aquatic animals, primarily under the assumption of perennial flow. However, the recognition that river drying is a common and widespread phenomenon requires reexamining animal movement through river networks. Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams have been overlooked when studying animal movement, even though approximately 60% of the global river network dries. In the present article, we extend the current focus of river ecology by integrating the effects of drying on the movement of aquatic and terrestrial animals. Moreover, we introduce a conceptual model that challenges the current bias, which is focused on perennial waterways, by encompassing animal movement across hydrologic phases (nonflowing, flowing, dry, rewetting) and habitats (aquatic, terrestrial). We discuss their corridor function in conservation and restoration planning and identify emerging research questions. We contend that a more comprehensive and inclusive view of animal movement in dry channels will advance ecological understanding of river networks and respective conservation efforts.