Guide Edited by UA Biologist Describes More Than 200 Rivers

By Chris Bryant

Ask someone about the biggest threats to the Earth’s rivers – a primary source of drinking water for its inhabitants – and pollution is likely to come to mind, possibly followed by dams. However, a UA ecologist, who recently edited a 1,168-page comprehensive guide to North America’s rivers, says introduction of non-native species is a lesser discussed but real threat to our most valuable natural resource.

Dr. Arthur C. Benke, professor of biological sciences at UA and co-editor of the recently published “Rivers of North America,” said one of the goals in producing the reference book, detailing 218 of the continent’s rivers, was to promote the stewardship of our fresh waters.

“The primary motivation was to be able to describe the wonderful diversity that we have,” said Benke. “These are fantastic natural systems that are not only of value for their biodiversity, but they have great beauty, physical complexity, and fascinating histories. Because they all have their own story, the idea was to try and tell these stories.

Full Story — 'River Guide'