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| Smallmouth bass, Micropterus
dolomieu. |
The results of research conducted during the Project
have allowed the calculation of a biodiversity
index, for aquatic plants and certain animals. The biodiversity
index reflects both diversity and abundance.
Each species category measures its biodiversity index
on its own scale. In order to facilitate interpretation and comparison
with other species categories, we have attributed a level (high, moderate,
low) to the value calculated.
Aquatic Plants
(1999**) |
0.95 |
high |
38
species were found, out of the 51
species found in the River.
Native plant diversity and abundance were high.
A biodiversity haven for aquatic plants. |
Aquatic Birds
(spring 1999**) |
1.66 |
high |
The
Rideau Bird Sanctuary provides nesting and staging areas
for migratory birds.
Surrounding wetland areas support a diverse bird community. |
| Fish |
2.50 |
moderate |
Twenty-one species were found, out of the 30 species native to the River.
Fish abundance peaked in this section, where yellow
perch and sunfishes (particularly
smallmouth bass) dominate the fish community. |
| Native Freshwater Mussels |
1.35 |
high |
Zebra
mussel density was low.
At Andrewsville and Old Slys, all of the River's 8 native mussel species were found alive. They were very abundant at Old Slys.
This section is a biodiversity haven for native mussels. |
| Aquatic Invertebrates |
5.21 |
high |
Preliminary results
indicate that hundreds of species of invertebrates inhabit this
section. Wetland habitat is ideal for these species. |
| Amphibians
|
not available |
not available |
Aquatic frog populations
were abundant along heavily vegetated shallows. |
| Reptiles |
not available |
not available |
A musk turtle, a rare species, was found in this section. |
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| See a detailed
map of the Rideau River between Smiths Falls and Burritts Rapids. |
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| Leaves of fragrant white water lily (large leaves) and European frogbit (small leaves). |
*Use of the Biodiversity Index value to compare the different sections of the River is appropriate within a single species category.
**Results from 1999 were selected because it is not appropriate to combine the results of the three years of research (1998 to 2000). |
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