Zur Situation der Gattung Gammarus (Flohkrebse) im Vogelsberg

The distribution pattern of 3 species of the genus Gammarus in running waters of the Vogelsberg-region (1100 km2, highest elevation 774 m ab. sea level) in Hessen shows severe damages caused by water pollution, the extensive use of groundwater, and by monocultures of spruce. Gammarus) can be regarded as a very good indicator to monitor in the future changes in the regional running water systems, since their populations recover quickly in case of improving conditions. Within the Vogelsberg 196 checkpoints were fixed on the intersections of running waters and contour lines, in order to make comparisons possible with other mountainous areas. Three species have been studied G. fossarum, G. pulex and G. roeseli , of which the latter is the most resistent to domestic pollution, and the first the most sensitive (with 4 fiqures, 2 tables and 25 references)