51. Rotifers analysis using diversity indices along Chenab River, Marala Headworks (Sialkot) Pakistan
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Abstract
The current study's objectives were to identify the rotifer taxonomic makeup, abundance, and diversity indices to describe its pattern and serve as a point of reference for its fundamental ecological framework. Rotifers have been collected from September, 2021 to August, 2022. In total, 18 species were identified belonging to 11 genera. A higher Shannon-Weaver index (H) value during the summer reveals a greater diversity of rotifers, whereas a lower value during the winter indicates a less diversity of rotifers. The Shannon-weaver diversity Index indicated that there is moderate diversity of rotifers in lake during the study period. Simpson index of dominance varied from 0.06 to 0.11 and it gave support to the Shannon-Weaver Index. Simpson reciprocal Index and Simpson Index of diversity also presented the moderate diversity of rotifers during the research duration. The value of evenness in all the months varies from 0.93 to 0.99 almost near to one showing even distribution of species. This study concluded that these seasonal variations in rotifers diversity might be due to availability of food, change in temperature and breeding season. Rotifers support the economically important fish population. They are the major mode of energy transfer between phytoplankton and fish. The study of rotifers composition, abundance and seasonal variations is helpful in planning and successful fishery management.
Keywords: Diversity Indices; Rotifers; Shannon-Weaver Index; Simpson Index of Dominance; Species Evenness