Climatically promoted taxonomic homogenization of macroinvertebrates in unaffected streams varies along the river continuum

Biotic homogenization appears to be a global consequence of anthropogenic change. However, the underlying environmental factors contributing to homogenization are difficult to identify because their effects usually interact and confound each other. This can be the reason why there is very little evidence on the role of climate warming in homogenization. By analysing macroinvertebrate assemblages in 65 streams that were as close to natural conditions as possible, we avoided the confounding effects of common anthropogenic stressors. This approach resulted in revealing a significant effect of increased temperature (both summer and winter) on changes in macroinvertebrate compositional over the past two decades. However, homogenization was significant only at opposite ends of the river continuum (submontane brooks, low-altitude rivers). Surprisingly, species of native origin predominated overall, increasing in frequency and abundance (winners), while only a minority of species declined or disappeared (losers). We hypothesise that undisturbed conditions mitigate species declines and thus homogenization, and that the temperature increase has so far been beneficial to most native species. Although we may have only captured a transitional state due to extinction debt, this underscores the importance of maintaining ecological conditions in stream to prevent species loss due to climate change.

Automated summary

Biotic homogenization is a global consequence of anthropogenic change that is difficult to identify due to interacting environmental factors. By analyzing macroinvertebrate assemblages in 65 minimally disturbed streams, we found a significant effect of temperature increase on macroinvertebrate compositional changes, but homogenization was only significant in certain types of streams. Surprisingly, native species predominated overall, suggesting that undisturbed conditions and temperature increase may benefit native species.