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<p>Freshwater macroinvertebrates are critical indicators of ecological integrity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet they remain underappreciated in biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in Tropical Africa. This study examines local perceptions of the ecosystem services provided by freshwater macroinvertebrates in the Obudu Mountains of Nigeria, a biodiversity-rich region with many endemic and threatened species. A survey was conducted to evaluate perceptions of four ecosystem service categories (i.e., provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services) across different taxonomic groups of macroinvertebrates. Results indicated significant differences (H = 48.46, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001) in the perceived value of macroinvertebrates with Odonata (23.01 ± 13.35%) ranked highest for total ecosystem services, followed by Crustacea (21.07 ± 17.46%), while Gastropoda (11.30 ± 0.32%) had the lowest total ecosystem services. Crustacea ranked highest for provisioning services (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) and Odonata ranked highest for regulating (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), cultural (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05), and supporting (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) services. Respondents also identified deforestation, water pollution, and bush burning as primary threats to macroinvertebrate populations. In response, participants proposed conservation measures, such as halting deforestation and water pollution, promoting conservation education, and encouraging alternative livelihoods. The findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness about the diverse ecosystem services of freshwater macroinvertebrates, particularly among local communities, and advocate for policies focused on habitat protection and sustainable practices. These efforts are essential to mitigate threats and ensure the continued preservation of freshwater biodiversity in the Obudu Mountains and the Afrotropics.</p>

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Freshwater macroinvertebrate ecosystem services: perception-based insights from an afromontane community

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月10日

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  • Emmanuel O. Akindele,
  • Abiodun M. Adedapo,
  • Esther D. Kowobari,
  • Oluwatosin C. Folorunso,
  • Grace. M. Ademulegun,
  • Oluwaseun T. Akinpelu,
  • Margaret A. Owuor

摘要

Freshwater macroinvertebrates are critical indicators of ecological integrity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet they remain underappreciated in biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in Tropical Africa. This study examines local perceptions of the ecosystem services provided by freshwater macroinvertebrates in the Obudu Mountains of Nigeria, a biodiversity-rich region with many endemic and threatened species. A survey was conducted to evaluate perceptions of four ecosystem service categories (i.e., provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services) across different taxonomic groups of macroinvertebrates. Results indicated significant differences (H = 48.46, p < 0.0001) in the perceived value of macroinvertebrates with Odonata (23.01 ± 13.35%) ranked highest for total ecosystem services, followed by Crustacea (21.07 ± 17.46%), while Gastropoda (11.30 ± 0.32%) had the lowest total ecosystem services. Crustacea ranked highest for provisioning services (p < 0.05) and Odonata ranked highest for regulating (p < 0.05), cultural (p > 0.05), and supporting (p < 0.05) services. Respondents also identified deforestation, water pollution, and bush burning as primary threats to macroinvertebrate populations. In response, participants proposed conservation measures, such as halting deforestation and water pollution, promoting conservation education, and encouraging alternative livelihoods. The findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness about the diverse ecosystem services of freshwater macroinvertebrates, particularly among local communities, and advocate for policies focused on habitat protection and sustainable practices. These efforts are essential to mitigate threats and ensure the continued preservation of freshwater biodiversity in the Obudu Mountains and the Afrotropics.