BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN RUNNING WATERS
BioScience 43(1), 1993, pp. 32-43
J. David Allan
School of Natural Resources and Environment,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Alexander S. Flecker
Section of Ecology & Systematics,
University of Cornell, Ithaca, New York
From the standpoint of biological diversity, rivers
and streams are both rich in species and severely imperiled. The threats
are many, but habitat degradation and species invasions rank highest, with
the caveat that multiple factors often interact in a species' demise. Recognition
of the extent of the problem clearly is a first step to responsible stewardship
of running waters. Based on a Nationwide Rivers Inventory completed in
1982, only 2% (<100,000 km) of the 5.2 million km of streams in the
contiguous 48 states have sufficient high-quality features to warrant federal
protection status (Benke 1990). Clearly, running waters are in urgent
need of both restoration and preservation.
Last updated November 22, 1999
J.D. Allan, School of Natural Resources & Environment
University of Michigan