Description

The central highlands of Ethiopia are endowed with various streams and rivers. Recently, these streams and rivers were facing a serious ecological deterioration due to practices associated with rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, land use change and removal of riparian vegetation. So, it is important to gather information on the extent of the degradation. Therefore,this study emphasizes on assessing the current ecological status of the streams and rivers in central highlands of Ethiopia in upper section of the Awash river using benthic macroinvertebrates in conjunction with physicochemical parameters. The ecological status of each sampling sites were classified using three African based biotic indices (SASS5, TARISS and ETHbios). Additionally, the longitudinal and seasonal distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate community assemblages in relation to environmental variables and land use were clearly presented. Furthermore, the result of the study provides preliminary baseline information for future management practices and can help in strengthening the implementation of biomonitoring in the central highlands of Ethiopia.