Keywords
taxonomic composition
structure
dynamics
benthic invertebrates
Bukhtarma Reservoir
Irtysh River Basin
How to Cite
Abstract
This article presents the results of studies conducted in the river basins of the Bukhtarma Reservoir within the Irtysh River Basin as part of the scientific and technical program of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan « Comprehensive studies of water bodies for the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic biological resources based on the assessment of their potential and modeling of stock dynamics» (BR23591095). The paper presents current data on the taxonomic composition of the macrozoobenthos of the Bukhtarma Reservoir (Irtysh River Basin) under present-day environmental conditions for the period from 2021 to 2025. he taxonomic composition and dominant groups of benthic invertebrates were determined, and the interannual variability of the macrozoobenthos was analyzed. According to the results of the conducted studies, the zoobenthos in the investigated water area was represented by 29 taxonomic units. The maximum number of taxa was recorded in 2023 (21 taxa), after which a decline was observed in 2024–2025, with partial recovery. Oligochaete worms (Oligochaeta gen. sp.) made a significant contribution in terms of frequency of occurrence. Chironomids were distinguished by their contribution to the formation of zoobenthic species richness, crustaceans dominated in abundance, while mollusks showed variable distribution and moderate diversity during the study period.