BIODIVERSITY
of
OUACHITA UPLAND RIVERS
|
|||||||
Sampling
Methods
|
|||||||
Mussel habitat can often be identified by the
presence of dead shell material on the banks and in the water. We sample
mussels by snorkeling over their habitat and looking for their siphons sticking
up out of the sediment. In most cases mussels are carefully picked up, identified
and measured, and returned alive to the stream bottom. We take only limited
voucher specimens. Tissue for genetic studies is sampled by taking a small
clipping of mantle from the mussel and returning the live mussel to its
habitat.
Benthic invertebrates are quantitatively sampled using an apparatus that vacuums the substrate within a predefined area. This apparatus was designed by Dr. Art Brown from the University of Arkansas. We also qualitatively sample benthic invertebrates with nets at stream margins and in other unique habitats. The adult forms for benthic insects are collected by UV light traps. Meiofauna are sampled by taking sediment core samples. Fishes are sampled by seining. |
|||||||