Estimation of the Origin of suspended fine particulate organic matter in the subtropical Amami-Oshima Island streams

A new study reveals that the Amami rabbit (Amami-no-Kurousagi) significantly contributes to the production of suspended fine particulate organic matter (SFPOM) in subtropical Amami-Oshima Island streams, accounting for 39% of its origin. This suggests that the species plays a crucial role in converting terrestrial organic matter into SFPOM within riverine ecosystems. The research used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios to trace the origins and pathways of SFPOM production. While Ryukyu sweetfish (Ryukyua yu) showed higher population densities in areas with abundant attached algae, their contribution to algal-derived SFPOM was found to be minimal, with no significant correlation between fish density and algal biomass in SFPOM.

TAKAHASHI, S., GOYA, H., ABE, S.-i., TAKEMON, Y., & IGUCHI, K. (2023). 亜熱帯島嶼奄美大島の河川における流下微粒状有機物の起源推定. Japanese Journal of JSCE, 79(25), n. https://doi.org/10.2208/jscejj.23-25030