Comprehensive database of drying resistance and resilience traits from drying rivers across Europe
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Drying River Networks (DRNs) are highly dependent on the dynamics of local climate conditions, which greatly influence the flow regime, the duration of dry and wet periods and the frequency of drying events. As such, DRNs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change and anthropogenic exploitation. In order to secure biodiversity, functional integrity and ecosystem services in drying river networks, intricate ecological dynamics governing these ecosystems need to be unravelled. In this effort, the trait-based approach is utilised to emphasise the significance of functional biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem processes under environmental stressors and to identify in which measure each functional trait exhibits resistance or vulnerability to drying events. A part of that effort is building a comprehensive database containing information on drying resistance (ability to endure) and resilience (ability to recover) traits for freshwater bacteria, fungi, diatoms, macroinvertebrates, and fishes. Through collaborating with experts and studying literature, a list of traits relevant to drying event survival was compiled for each of the five biotas. Each trait has been categorised, coded and its function described, and freshwater community information was obtained during the sampling process for project DRYvER. Subsequently, the database was compiled assigning trait values to listed taxa using readily available data from existing databases and published literature. The database's development involved rigorous collection, cleaning, standardisation, and harmonisation of trait data to ensure the thorough representation and precision of trait variability across biota. Using the database, trade-off analysis was conducted. Construction of the database is a continuous process as newly described trait data is appearing and newly developed technologies offer better solutions for higher levels of precision. Through collation and further analysis of trait data, the trait database enhances our understanding of the ecological mechanisms underpinning DRN resilience which contributes to better understanding of the effects of climate change on freshwater biodiversity across Europe. |
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