Journal Article
Species richness and conservation of Namibian freshwater macro-invertebrates, fish and amphibians
Curtis, B., Roberts, K.S., Griffin, M., Bethune, S., Hay, C.J. and Kolberg, H.
Record Number:
1993
Year:
1998
Journal:
Biodiversity and Conservation
Pages:
447-466
Volume:
7
Abstract:
Namibia is an arid country but has a diverse array of wetland habitats ranging from ephemeral water
bodies and rain-pools, artesian springs supporting small perennial pools and streams, to the large
perennial rivers of the north-east with their associated ¯oodplains. These rivers drain wetter areas
north of Namibia and contribute many tropical species to Namibia's wetlands. There are 778
described species of macro-invertebrates representing eight phyla with 81 endemics. Many inverte-
brates still have to be identi®ed or described but presently the greatest endemism occurs among the
Ostracoda (18 species), Coleoptera (17), Diptera (14), Anostraca (six) and Amphipoda (®ve species).
In total, Namibia has 50 species of frog with three endemics. No caecilians or salamanders occur in
Namibia. There are 114 species of freshwater ®sh with ®ve endemics. Most Namibian wetlands occur
outside protected areas. Over-exploitation of wetland resources and ¯ow regulation are currently
major threats, but new environmental legislation being formulated is based on the goal of sustainable
use.
Keywords: Namibian wetlands; invertebrates; ®sh; amphibians; conservation.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: