Water Wheel Jan/Feb 2021: Water And The Environment

Abstract

New mayfly species discovered in Kruger adding bricks to conservation foundation “Mayfly taxonomy is not considered to be a sexy science,” Dr Helen Barber-James says. Though not the most popular choice of study field, it is very important. Barber-James would know. A freshwater biologist, she has dedicated much of her career to exactly that – the biodiversity, systematics and biogeography of freshwater invertebrates, especially the Ephemeroptera (mayflies). Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done. Last year, Barber-James led a team that identified two new mayfly species, and at least seven caddisfly species from the Kruger National Park’s rivers. “It’s amazing that we are still finding all these new species in such well-studied rivers,” she says. The specimens are tiny; the mayflies only 3 to 4 mm long but, in addition to being exceptional finds, they are also an important part of a very large picture. Key to unlocking the messages from the mayflies, is calling each by their name.

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