Fish and macroinvertebrate are useful indicators of ecological condition, and ensure considerable
conservation value and tools for decision making in management of wetland ecosystems. Therefore, the use
of these biological elements to monitor wetland ecosystems are rarely explored in Western Africa region,
particularly in Sahel areas. Whereas, we are currently facing to growing multiple anthropogenic pressures
and climate warming that impact negatively our wetlands and the biodiversity. Remarkably, there is an
urgent need of cost effective tools for wetland ecosystems health assessment in Burkina Faso. In this study,
we examined the taxonomic composition of fish and macroinvertebrate and explored their use for the
monitoring wetland ecosystems. Measures of taxa composition/diversity responds to the gradients of
anthropogenic alterations. Our results revealed that the highest diversity of fish and macroinvertebrates taxa
was recorded in protected sites or sites nearby natural, while the lowest diversity was obtained in degraded
sites. Also, the findings showed a strong and positive correlation between macroinvertebrates taxa and water
keys variables, while fish taxa were strongly correlated to xylal (deadwood)-substrates. Responsiveness and
monitoring programs using these communities by African limnologist may help to sustain and preserve
wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.
wetland, networks, biological community, integrity, West Africa