Install artificial dams in streams to raise water levels
-
Overall effectiveness category Awaiting assessment
-
Number of studies: 1
View assessment score
Hide assessment score
How is the evidence assessed?
-
Effectiveness
not assessed -
Certainty
not assessed -
Harms
not assessed
Study locations
Supporting evidence from individual studies
A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 2011–2012 in a pine forest in North Carolina, USA (Aschehoug et al. 2015) found that installing artificial dams in headwater streams to raise water levels did not increase the survival of Appalachian brown Satyrodes appalachia eggs, caterpillars or pupae. In plots where dams were installed, the survival of Appalachian brown eggs (23–43%) and caterpillars and pupae (37%) was not significantly different from plots where dams were not installed (eggs: 56–74%; caterpillars and pupae: 20%). In plots where artificial dams were installed and trees were removed, both egg (33–42%) and caterpillar and pupal (14%) survival were also similar to plots where dams were not installed and trees remained (egg: 56–74%; juvenile: 20%). In May 2011, four 30 × 30 m plots in each of four blocks were randomly assigned to four treatments: installation of temporary dams, manual removal of 90% of trees, tree removal and dam installation, and no manipulation. The 0.5-m high dams spanned the downstream edge of their plot. From 15 May–15 June and 7 July–7 August 2012, a potted sedge Carex mitchelliana plant was placed in the centre of each plot. Each plant had a known number of butterfly eggs, laid by caged wild-caught females prior to placement. The number of eggs on each plant which survived after 48 hours was counted. In addition, in each of three arenas/plot (created from polyethylene food drums), centred on mature sedge, five captive-reared caterpillars (first to third instar) were released and the number of emerging adults was counted.
Study and other actions tested
Where has this evidence come from?
List of journals searched by synopsis
All the journals searched for all synopses

This Action forms part of the Action Synopsis:
Butterfly and Moth Conservation
Butterfly and Moth Conservation - Published 2023
Butterfly and Moth Synopsis