Negro et al. (2026) Integrating Satellite Data Into Meso‐Scale Habitat Modeling for Non‐Perennial Rivers and Streams

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Water Resources Research
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-03-01
• Authors: G. Negro, B. Pinna, G. Manfreda, P. Lo Conte, E. Belcore, P. Maschio, C. Cavallo, M. N. Papa, P. Vezza
• DOI: 10.1029/2025wr041133

Research Groups

Not specified in the abstract.

Short Summary

This study introduces a novel methodology using the MesoHABSIM model and satellite imagery to assess aquatic habitat dynamics in a non-perennial river, revealing species-specific vulnerabilities of fish and macroinvertebrates to flow intermittency and informing ecological flow strategies.

Objective

• To introduce and apply a novel approach to assess aquatic habitat availability and dynamics for fish (Telestes muticellus, Padogobius bonelli) and macroinvertebrate communities in non-perennial rivers, specifically in relation to streamflow and the time elapsed since discharge cessation.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: A regulated reach of the Sangone River (Northern Italy).
• Temporal Scale: Field data collected in July 2021; satellite imagery monitoring period from 2017 to 2023.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: NPRs-module of the MesoHABitat Simulation Model (MesoHABSIM).
• Data sources: High-resolution geospatial data, field data, over 1700 multisource satellite images, local hydrological data.

Main Results

• The median ponding duration was estimated at 8 days.
• The driest period identified was summer 2022, warranting focused habitat analysis.
• Adult Telestes muticellus preferred higher flows (>1 m³/s) and experienced rapid habitat loss during ponding, indicating high vulnerability to intermittency.
• Juveniles of T. muticellus and Padogobius bonelli favored lower flows (approximately 0.15 m³/s) and showed a more gradual decline in habitat availability after flow interruption.
• Suitable habitat for macroinvertebrates increased monotonically with flow and exhibited the highest persistence during ponding conditions.

Contributions

• Introduces a novel and effective methodology for the characterization of non-perennial rivers and the analysis of aquatic habitat availability.
• Provides insights into species-specific responses to flow intermittency, which can guide ecological flow strategies for the conservation of non-perennial river ecosystems.

Funding

Not specified in the abstract.

Citation

@article{Negro2026Integrating,
  author = {Negro, G. and Pinna, B. and Manfreda, G. and Conte, P. Lo and Belcore, E. and Maschio, P. and Cavallo, C. and Papa, M. N. and Vezza, P.},
  title = {Integrating Satellite Data Into Meso‐Scale Habitat Modeling for Non‐Perennial Rivers and Streams},
  journal = {Water Resources Research},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1029/2025wr041133},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1029/2025wr041133}
}