Dam Construction Impacts Fish Biodiversity in a Subtropical River Network, China

Dams and diversions are a primary threat to freshwater fish biodiversity, including the loss of species restructuring communities, often resulting in taxonomic homogenization (increased similarity) over time. Mitigating these impacts requires strong scientific understanding both patterns drivers diversity. Here, we test whether different components biodiversity have changed response major dam construction, predictable as function key environmental factors Gan River Basin, China. The results showed that total native alpha diversity declined from historical period (pre-dam) current (post-dam). A 29 lost, while 6 alien were gained We found evidence for faunal with slight (1%) increase similarity among river basins period. Additionally, revealed significant associations between drainage length, area, average air temperature, beta This study provides new insight into change broader Yangtze Basin helps inform management efforts seeking slow, even reverse, trajectories change.