Biodiversity Assessment and Ecosystem Services of Freshwater Springs in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Freshwater springs in highland areas of Taraba State provide critical water supply for communities and support distinct aquatic and riparian biodiversity. Despite their ecological and socioeconomic importance, these springs remain largely unstudied and poorly protected. This study assessed biodiversity and ecosystem services of six freshwater springs in highland local government areas of Taraba State. Aquatic macroinvertebrates, riparian plant communities, and amphibian assemblages were surveyed at each spring using standard sampling protocols. Spring discharge rates and physicochemical water quality were measured to characterise hydrological and chemical conditions. Ecosystem service assessment focused on domestic water supply, livestock watering, and wetland vegetation products. Results showed considerable variation in biodiversity among springs, with unpolluted high-altitude springs supporting the greatest macroinvertebrate diversity, including several Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera species sensitive to organic pollution. Springs in proximity to agricultural activities showed elevated nutrient concentrations and reduced sensitive taxon richness. Riparian vegetation was most diverse and intact at springs protected by cultural traditions or by natural topographic inaccessibility. Community surveys confirmed heavy reliance on spring water for drinking in communities without pipe-borne water supply. The study recommends formalising protection buffers around spring catchments, involving communities in spring monitoring, and integrating freshwater spring conservation into Taraba State water resources management policy. Keywords: freshwater springs, biodiversity, ecosystem services, Taraba State, macroinvertebrates.