Seasonal Dynamics of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Four Equatorial Forest Streams in the Mvila Division, Southern Cameroon

Abstract

Seasonal variations are responsible for many of the disturbances observed in watercourses. This study aims to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of benthic macrofauna in the Metyi, Bengo, Sounou, and Lo’o watercourses in the Mvila Division. Sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates was carried out in 12 stations using the multi-habit/indat approach, using a 30 cm square dip net fitted. 3404 individuals of benthic macroinvertebrates (43.48% relative abundance) were counted in long dry season (LDS), 1839 individuals (23.49% relative abundance) in short rainy season (SRS), 1696 individuals (21.67% relative abundance) in long rainy season (LRS), and 889 individuals of benthic macroinvertebrates (11.36% relative abundance) in short dry season (SDS). In terms of diversity, a total of 174 taxa were identified: 111 in the LDS, 106 in the SRS, 92 in the LRS, and 51 in the SDS. Shannon and Weaver’s diversity index showed the lowest value in SDS, while its highest value was recorded during SRS, as was Pielou J Equitability index. The similarity index suggests that the seasons differ from one another. The LDS had the highest species richness and abundance, while the SRS had the highest diversity value according to Shannon and Weaver.