Aspects of the biodiversity of the rivers in the Lake Naivasha catchment

The diverse river systems of the Lake Naivasha catchment provide a wide range of habitats. Distribution of a number of flowering plant species along river corridors appears most strongly linked with altitude and topography, although some species have an affinity with river edges. A distinct dry land/ savannah flora is represented close to river channels in the lower, temporary rivers, while other plant species are ubiquitous. More physically diverse river habitats support more diverse plant assemblages. Bird biodiversity and abundance appears to be strongly linked with habitat diversity and feeding guild data suggest that this is related to the availability of a range of food items. Diversity is not linked with rarity. Changes in land use patterns and intensity in the catchment can affect its capacity to support rich biological communities.