HABITAT FRAGMENTATION OF ALPINE STREAMS

Fragmentation of stream networks has important ramifications on the genetic and bio-diversity of aquatic insects in alpine tundra environments. In Switzerland, the high endemism found in alpine environments resulting from mountain insularity and orientation makes the potential loss of biodiversity even greater. This Swiss National Science funded project examines the genetic structure and biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in alpine streams that have been fragmented by either natural lakes or man-made reservoirs compared to respective nonfragmented streams. The results have important implications towards the conservation and sustainability of alpine tundra streams sensitive to ever increasing anthropogenic impacts.