DOCSLIB.ORG

The American Midland Naturalist Published Quarterly by the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The American Midland Naturalist Published Quarterly by the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana The American Midland Naturalist Published Quarterly by The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana Vol. 109 APRIL, 1983 No. 2 Multivariate Assessment of Environmental Preferences of Cyprinid Fishes of the Illinois River, Oklahoma JAMES D. FELLEY1 and LOREN G. HILL Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019 ABSTRACT: Cyprinid fishes were collected from the Oklahoma drainage of the Il- linois River in all seasons of 1978 and 1979. The Illinois River and its tributaries drain the Ozark Plateau and the Boston Mountains and support an Ozarkian fish fauna. Species included in this analysis were Campostoma anomalum, Nocomis asper, Notropis boops, N. nubilus, N. pilsblyi, N. rubellus, N. whipplei, Pimephales notatus, Phoxinus erythrogaster and Semotilus atromaculatus. Fishes were collected and 17 environmental variables measured from each of 15 localities sampled in every season. Species distribu- tions were characterized in reference to each variable as follows: the value of a variable at each location was weighted by the number of individuals of a species present, and the mean of these weighted values was taken as that species' preferred state for that variable. Principal components analysis, with rotation of the component solution to simple structure, was used to elucidate the relationships among variables in terms of species distributions. In most seasons, components related to species preferences for upstream vs. downstream locations, different foods, and slow- vs. fast-water habitats. For most species, differences in habitat preference between seasons were related to breeding (in the spring) and to preference for warmer locations during the rest of the year. INTRODUCTION The distribution of a species is constrained by its environmental tolerances and by interactions, such as competition and predation, with other species (Smith and Powell, 1971). Within these limits, distribution is related to preferences for given environmen- tal condition. The relationship between environmental conditions and distribution has been shown for cyprinids in particular (e.g., Matthews and Hill, 1979 a and b; Mat- thews and Maness, 1979). Different tolerances and preferences of separate species may result in differing patterns of distribution, and seasonal or daily changes in en- vironmental conditions may lead to movement of a species. One way to characterize the distribution of a species relative to an environmental variable is by the mean of the variable over all collected individuals (Felley, 1980). This mean is the state of that variable found at locations where individuals are most likely to occur, and can be used as an estimate of a species' preference for the variable. Though species distributions may be so characterized for any number of variables, not all of these will be of equal importance in affecting a species' choice of habitat. A given environmental variable may directly influence a species' habitat choice. Alter- natively, a variable may have no effect on choice of habitat but may be functionally related to a variable that does have an effect (for example, if a species' occurrence is af- Present address: Department of Biology, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Loui- siana 70609. 209 210 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 109(2) fected by current speed, variables such as substrate type or amount of debris present would be correlated with it). Finally, a variable may be unrelated to habitat choice. In- vestigation of species distribution according to different environmental variables must take into account the possible confounding relationships among the variables themselves. Baker and Ross (1981) investigated cyprinid distributions in reference to different environmental variables and related distributional patterns to habitat segregation among the species, along a number of ecological axes. They showed that analysis of species preferences (as suggested above) and identification of patterns of covariance among the variables can point to trends in habitat partitioning among the species. In this case, covarying variables are those reflecting a common trend in species distribu- tions. Multivariate procedures (such as multivariate analysis of variance and com- ponents analysis) are uniquely suited to identification of sets of covarying variables. We used components analysis to investigate distribution of members of the family Cyprinidae in different seasons in the Oklahoma drainage of the Illinois River. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Illinois River drains portions of the Boston Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas and Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, the Illinois River drains a limestone/sand- stone topography, and headwaters are heavily influenced by springs. Figure 1 il- lustrates the Oklahoma drainage of the Illinois River and our collection localities. The fish fauna of the Illinois River is typical of Ozark streams; cyprinid species regularly collected and included in our analysis were as follows: Campostoma anomalum stoneroller; Nocomis asper redspot chub; Notropis boops bigeye shiner; N. nubilus Ozark minnow; N. pilsbgi duskystripe shiner; N. rubellus rosyface shiner; N. whipplei steelcolor shiner; Pimephales notatus bluntnose minnow; Plwxinus erythrogaster southern redbelly dace, and Semotilus atromaculatus creek chub. All of these species were collected in at least seven of our eight collecting seasons. Fish were collected at 15 localities in the Illinois drainage in spring, summer, autumn and winter of 1978 and 1979. In every season (calendar-defined, e.g., "spring" was 21 March to 21 June) we collected fish once at each locality. Collections were ob- tained by seine (3.7 x 1.5 m, 3 mm mesh) over small discrete areas (never more than 40 m2, often smaller) representing microhabitats. A microhabitat was an area determined in the field to be homogeneous for the following parameters: water clarity, substrate type, current speed, presence or absence of cover (structure or vegetation in which fish might hide), presence or absence of debris (leaves and sticks on the bottom), and presence or absence of emergent vegetation. Thus we attempted to minimize the possibility of seining through environments recognized as different by the fishes. So defined, a microhabitat was our sampling unit, and only one microhabitat was sampled at a location in a season. Water clarity was measured as Secchi disc depth, in meters. Water clear to the bottom was arbitrarily coded as 2 m. Substrate type was coded from 0-5 representing mud, sand, gravel, rubble, boulders, bedrock, respectively. Current speed was measured as seconds required for an object to float 10 m. Still water was ar- bitrarily assigned a value of 180 sec. Cover, debris and vegetation were each coded 1/0 for presence/absence. Additional variables measured at each location were stream width (m), maximum stream depth at the location sampled (m), depth of the stream at the sampled microhabitat (termed capture depth, measured in m), conductivity, pH and temperature. Fishes were preserved in 10% formalin. Up to 10 individuals of each species col- lected at a location were examined for gut contents. Gut contents were divided into four categories (terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, filamentous algae and detritus; Minckley, 1963) and percentages of volume of these categories were estimated 1983 FELLEY & HILL: FISH ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERENCES 211 for each individual. Stream order (which ranged from 2-4 at our collection localities) was determined from 1/250,000 topographic maps. Treatment of variables. —The values of environmental variables at each location were weighted by the number of individuals of a species collected there. For example, if 15 individuals of a species occurred at one location, and a single individual at a second, the values of the environmental variables at the first location would be weighted 15 times more heavily than those of the second location. For data coded 1/0 as presence/absence (debris, cover, vegetation) the result of this weighting procedure gave the percentage of individuals of a species that were collected at locations where that variable was coded "1." Temperature was averaged in the following manner for each species in a season: The average temperature for all locations was computed for that season and this value was subtracted from the temperature mean of each species col- lected in that season. So expressed, negative temperature averages indicated a preference for temperatures lower than the drainage mean; positive values indicated preference for temperatures higher than the average. Because pH is a power function (negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration), geometric means of pH values Fig. 1. —Locations sampled for cyprinid fishes in the drainage of the Illinois River, Oklahoma 212 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 109(2) were calculated for all species (Sokal and Rohlf, 1969). Means for food type percent- ages were calculated for each species. The categories of terrestrial and aquatic prey were combined into the variable "prey" for the analyses described below. This differen- tiated among cyprinids eating animal prey, filamentous algae or detritus. Statistical analyses were performed on the means of the variables for all species. Statistical analyses. —Statistical analyses were done using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS; Barr et al., 1976) on a 370 IBM computer. Variable means were cor- related across species in each season. The resulting correlation matrices were then sub- jected
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Eastern Belted Kingfisher in the Maritime 1?
    BULLETIN NO. 97 The Eastern Belted Kingfisher - in the Maritime 1?rovinces BY H. C. WHITE Atlantic Biological Station PUBLISHED BY THE FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA UNDER THE CONTROL OF TH E HON. THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES fTAWA, 1953 II BULLETIN NO. 97 The Eastern Belted I(ingfisher in the Maritime Provinces BY H. C. WHITE Atlantic Biological Station PUBLISHED BY THE FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA UND ER THE CONTROL OF THE HON. THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES OTTAWA, 1953 Printed by THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO PREss . for the FISHERIES REsEARCH BOARD OF CANADA CO N TENTS INTRODUCTION 1 Hand-rearing young kingfishers 2 LIFE HISTORY 4 Migration, flights and dispersal 4 Distribution 5 Nesting sites 5 Making the burrow 9 Nest cavity and nest 10 Incubation and nestlings 11 Activities in nest 13 Sanitation 14 Enemies 16 Night roosts 19 Feeding 19 ANALYSES OF PELLETS AND STOMACH CONTENTS 21 Analyses 22 FOOD 25 Trout-rearing streams 27 Small salmon-rearing streams 29 Medium and large salmon rivers 33 Marginal salmon waters 37 Lakes and ponds 38 Sea shore 40 ECONOMIC STATUS 41 REFERENCES 43 INTROD UCTION THIS STUDY of the life history and food of the kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon alcyon L. ) in the "Maritimes", i.e. the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, is part of a general study of the relation of fish­ eating birds to the production of salmon and trout and is based on observations and material colleoted over a period of many years. We have received help from many of our co-workers and others and we wish to express special gratitude to A.
    [Show full text]
  • And Wildlife, 1928-72
    Bibliography of Research Publications of the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, 1928-72 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE RESOURCE PUBLICATION 120 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS OF THE U.S. BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, 1928-72 Edited by Paul H. Eschmeyer, Division of Fishery Research Van T. Harris, Division of Wildlife Research Resource Publication 120 Published by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Washington, B.C. 1974 Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Eschmeyer, Paul Henry, 1916 Bibliography of research publications of the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, 1928-72. (Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Kesource publication 120) Supt. of Docs. no.: 1.49.66:120 1. Fishes Bibliography. 2. Game and game-birds Bibliography. 3. Fish-culture Bibliography. 4. Fishery management Bibliogra­ phy. 5. Wildlife management Bibliography. I. Harris, Van Thomas, 1915- joint author. II. United States. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. III. Title. IV. Series: United States Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Resource publication 120. S914.A3 no. 120 [Z7996.F5] 639'.9'08s [016.639*9] 74-8411 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing OfTie Washington, D.C. Price $2.30 Stock Number 2410-00366 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS OF THE U.S. BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, 1928-72 INTRODUCTION This bibliography comprises publications in fishery and wildlife research au­ thored or coauthored by research scientists of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and certain predecessor agencies. Separate lists, arranged alphabetically by author, are given for each of 17 fishery research and 6 wildlife research labora­ tories, stations, investigations, or centers.
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey of Alabama Calibration of The
    GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ALABAMA Berry H. (Nick) Tew, Jr. State Geologist WATER INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM CALIBRATION OF THE INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR THE SOUTHERN PLAINS ICHTHYOREGION IN ALABAMA OPEN-FILE REPORT 0908 by Patrick E. O'Neil and Thomas E. Shepard Prepared in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................ 1 Introduction.......................................................... 1 Acknowledgments .................................................... 6 Objectives........................................................... 7 Study area .......................................................... 7 Southern Plains ichthyoregion ...................................... 7 Methods ............................................................ 8 IBI sample collection ............................................. 8 Habitat measures............................................... 10 Habitat metrics ........................................... 12 The human disturbance gradient ................................... 15 IBI metrics and scoring criteria..................................... 19 Designation of guilds....................................... 20 Results and discussion................................................ 22 Sampling sites and collection results . 22 Selection and scoring of Southern Plains IBI metrics . 41 1. Number of native species ................................
    [Show full text]
  • Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S
    Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4—An Update April 2013 Prepared by: Pam L. Fuller, Amy J. Benson, and Matthew J. Cannister U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Ecological Science Center Gainesville, Florida Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia Cover Photos: Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix – Auburn University Giant Applesnail, Pomacea maculata – David Knott Straightedge Crayfish, Procambarus hayi – U.S. Forest Service i Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview of Region 4 Introductions Since 2000 ....................................................................................... 1 Format of Species Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 2 Explanation of Maps ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Reproductive Timing of the Largescale Stoneroller, Campostoma Oligolepis, in the Flint River, Alabama
    REPRODUCTIVE TIMING OF THE LARGESCALE STONEROLLER, CAMPOSTOMA OLIGOLEPIS, IN THE FLINT RIVER, ALABAMA by DANA M. TIMMS A THESIS Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in The Department of Biological Sciences to The School of Graduate Studies of The University of Alabama in Huntsville HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 2017 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Bruce Stallsmith for all his guidance on this project and greater dedication to raising awareness to Alabama’s river ecosystems. I am grateful to my other committee members, Dr. Gordon MacGregor and Dr. Debra Moriarity also from UAH. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather and elements on collecting trips: Tiffany Bell, Austin Riley, Chelsie Smith, and Joshua Mann. I would like to thank Megan McEown, Corinne Peacher, and Bonnie Ferguson for dedicating long hours in the lab. Special thanks to Matthew Moore who assisted in collections, lab work, and data processing. Most of all, I would like to thank my husband, Patrick, for his love and encouragement in all my endeavors. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page • List of Figures viii • List of Tables x • CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1 o Context 1 o Campostoma oligolepis Taxonomy 3 o History of Campostoma oligolepis 4 ▪ Campostoma oligolepis in the South 6 ▪ Campostoma Hybridization 8 ▪ Campostoma Ranges and Species Differentiation 9 ▪ Life History 12 ▪ Reproduction 12 o Purpose and Hypothesis 15 • CHAPTER TWO: Methodology 17 o Laboratory Analysis 19 o Reproductive Data 21 o Ovary and Oocyte Staging 22 o Statistical Analysis 22 • CHAPTER THREE: Results 27 o Reproductive Data 29 ▪ Ovary and Oocyte Development 32 ▪ Testicular Development 39 vi • CHAPTER FOUR: Discussion 40 o Study Limitations 40 o Lateral Line Scale Count 41 o Reproductive Cues and Environmental Influences 42 o Multiple-spawners 42 o Asymmetry of Ovaries 42 o Bourgeois Males 43 o Campostoma variability 44 o Conclusion 45 • WORKS CITED 46 vii LIST OF FIGURES Page • 1.1 Campostoma oligolepis, Largescale Stoneroller, specimens from the Flint River, Alabama.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Habitat and Fish Report Baseline Conditions
    Interprovincial Crossings Environmental Assessment Study Aquatic Habitat and Fish Report Baseline Conditions Final Report November 18, 2008 AQUATIC HABITAT AND FISH REPORT BASELINE CONDITIONS REPORT NOVEMBER 2008 F INAL REPORT AQUATIC HABITAT AND FISH (BASELINE CONDITIONS) Table of Contents GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS..................... 1-1 1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................... 1-1 1.1 Methodology ........................................................................... 1-1 1.1.1 Baseline Environmental Conditions ........................... 1-1 1.1.2 Study Area .................................................................. 1-4 1.1.3 Assessment of Environmental Constraints ................. 1-4 2.0 OTTAWA RIVER GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS..................................... 2-1 2.1 Hydrography – General Description ....................................... 2-1 2.2 Natural environment, recreation and tourism.......................... 2-2 2.3 Water quality........................................................................... 2-3 2.4 Variations between corridors................................................... 2-3 3.0 CHARACTERIZATION OF FISH SPECIES ...... 3-1 3.1 Fish species found in the Ottawa River................................... 3-1 3.2 Characterization of spawning sites.......................................... 3-8 4.0 SPECIES WITH SPECIAL STATUS ................. 4-1 4.1 The Channel Darter ................................................................. 4-2 4.2 The River Redhorse................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Characteristics of an Intergeneric Cyprinid Hybrid, Campostoma Anomalum X Luxilus Sp
    Characteristics of an Intergeneric Cyprinid Hybrid, Campostoma anomalum x Luxilus sp. indet. (Pisces: Cyprinidae), from the Portage River, Ohio1 WILLIAM J. POLY , Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 ABSTRACT. Characteristics of a hybrid, Campostoma anomalum pullum x Luxilus sp. (chrysocephalus, comutus, their hybrid, or a backcross) from the Portage River, OH, were examined and compared with parental species as well as five other Campostoma anomalum x Luxilus cornutus and C. anomalum x L. chrysocephalus hybrids from Ohio, Tennessee, New York, Virginia, and Mississippi. Lateral-line scale count and gill raker count were consistently intermediate in all hybrids. Dentition was intermediate in four of five hybrids, and intestinal diameter was intermediate in both Ohio hybrids. Hybrids for which data were available (n = 5) resembled Luxilus in lacking intestinal coiling around the swimbladder and in liver shape and position (n = 4). Mouth position was intermediate in five of six hybrids. The Portage River hybrid may be a tri-hybrid based on apparent hybridization between the two Luxilus species, L. cornutus andZ. chrysocephalus, present at the collection site. OHIO J. SCI. 97 (3): 40-43, 1997 INTRODUCTION captured. Also, two specimens of C. a. anomalum x Z. Many natural hybrid combinations among cyprinids chrysocephalus from Bletcher's Creek, Anderson County, have been documented (Schwartz 1972, 1981). Cyprinid TN and Bear Creek, Smyth County, VA (UT 44.3017 and hybrids often result from accidental mixing of gametes UT 44.5785, respectively) were collected (D. A. Etnier, during spawning due to nest "sharing" by several species. Univ. Tenn. pers. comm.) and included in the present Species of non-nest building cyprinids often spawn study.
    [Show full text]
  • Cutlip Minnow,Exoglossum Maxillingua
    COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Cutlip Minnow Exoglossum maxillingua in Canada SPECIAL CONCERN 2013 COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows: COSEWIC. 2013. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Cutlip Minnow Exoglossum maxillingua in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 35 pp. (www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm). Previous report(s): Crossman, E.J.1994. COSEWIC status report on the Cutlip Minnow Exoglossum maxillingua in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 32 pp. Production note: COSEWIC would like to acknowledge Dr. Nicholas Mandrak, Lynn D. Bouvier, Mary Burridge and Erling Holm for writing the status report on the Cutlip Minnow, Exoglossum maxillingue, in Canada, prepared under contract with Environment Canada. This report was overseen and edited by Dr. Eric Taylor, Co- chair of the COSEWIC Freshwater Fishes Specialist Subcommittee. For additional copies contact: COSEWIC Secretariat c/o Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Tel.: 819-953-3215 Fax: 819-994-3684 E-mail: COSEWIC/[email protected] http://www.cosewic.gc.ca Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur le Bec-de-lièvre (Exoglossum maxillingua) au Canada. Cover illustration/photo: Cutlip Minnow — Reproduced with permission by Bureau of Fisheries, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2014. Catalogue No. CW69-14/683-2014E-PDF ISBN 978-1-100-23553-0 Recycled paper COSEWIC Assessment Summary Assessment Summary – November 2013 Common name Cutlip Minnow Scientific name Exoglossum maxillingua Status Special Concern Reason for designation This small-bodied freshwater fish occurs across a relatively small area in eastern Ontario and Quebec where it has been lost from two watersheds over the last 10 years.
    [Show full text]
  • The Blackside Dace (Chrosomus Cumberlandensis) and the Cumberland Arrow Darter (Etheostoma Sagitta) in Northeast Tennessee
    WATER QUALITY’S INFLUENCE ON THE OCCUPANCY OF TWO JEOPARDIZED FISHES: THE BLACKSIDE DACE (CHROSOMUS CUMBERLANDENSIS) AND THE CUMBERLAND ARROW DARTER (ETHEOSTOMA SAGITTA) IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE __________________________ A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Science Morehead State University _________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science _________________________ by Brandon L. Yates July 5, 2017 ProQuest Number:10605069 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ProQuest 10605069 Published by ProQuest LLC ( 2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 Accepted by the faculty of the College of Science, Morehead State University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science degree. ______________________________ David J. Eisenhour Director of Thesis Master’s Committee: ________________________________, Chair David J. Eisenhour _________________________________ Brian C. Reeder _________________________________ David P. Smith _________________________________ Michael C. Compton ________________________ Date WATER QUALITY’S INFLUENCE ON THE OCCUPANCY OF TWO JEOPARDIZED FISHES: THE BLACKSIDE DACE (CHROSOMUS CUMBERLANDENSIS) AND THE CUMBERLAND ARROW DARTER (ETHEOSTOMA SAGITTA) IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE Brandon L. Yates Morehead State University, 2017 Director of Thesis: __________________________________________________ David J.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Species Mapping in North Carolina Using Maxent
    Aquatic Species Mapping in North Carolina Using Maxent Mark Endries U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Field Office, Asheville North Carolina INTRODUCTION The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is the lead governmental agency involved in the recovery of federally endangered and threatened species in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. To meet its recovery and protection goals, the Service: (1) works with other federal agencies to minimize or eliminate impacts to fish, wildlife, and plants from projects they authorize, fund, or carry out; (2) supports the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat on private land through technical and financial assistance; and (3) provides scientific knowledge and analyses to help guide the conservation, development, and management of the Nation’s fish and wildlife resources. Freshwater ecosystems present unique management challenges due to their linear spatial orientation and their association with upland habitat variables. On broad scales, the movement of aquatic species within the stream environment is limited to upstream and downstream migration. The inability of aquatic species to circumnavigate man-made obstacles causes them to be particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation has a major influence on species distribution and complicates distribution mapping. To better understand the spatial distributions of freshwater aquatic species in North Carolina, the Service created predictive habitat maps for 226 different aquatic species using geographic information systems (GIS) and maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling. These maps were derived by comparing known species occurrences with a suite of stream- or land-cover-derived environmental variables.
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution Changes of Small Fishes in Streams of Missouri from The
    Distribution Changes of Small Fishes in Streams of Missouri from the 1940s to the 1990s by MATTHEW R. WINSTON Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia, MO 65201 February 2003 CONTENTS Page Abstract……………………………………………………………………………….. 8 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………… 10 Methods……………………………………………………………………………….. 17 The Data Used………………………………………………………………… 17 General Patterns in Species Change…………………………………………... 23 Conservation Status of Species……………………………………………….. 26 Results………………………………………………………………………………… 34 General Patterns in Species Change………………………………………….. 30 Conservation Status of Species……………………………………………….. 46 Discussion…………………………………………………………………………….. 63 General Patterns in Species Change………………………………………….. 53 Conservation Status of Species………………………………………………. 63 Acknowledgments……………………………………………………………………. 66 Literature Cited……………………………………………………………………….. 66 Appendix……………………………………………………………………………… 72 FIGURES 1. Distribution of samples by principal investigator…………………………. 20 2. Areas of greatest average decline…………………………………………. 33 3. Areas of greatest average expansion………………………………………. 34 4. The relationship between number of basins and ……………………….. 39 5. The distribution of for each reproductive group………………………... 40 2 6. The distribution of for each family……………………………………… 41 7. The distribution of for each trophic group……………...………………. 42 8. The distribution of for each faunal region………………………………. 43 9. The distribution of for each stream type………………………………… 44 10. The distribution of for each range edge…………………………………. 45 11. Modified
    [Show full text]
  • Campostoma Anomalum) in a Heavily Urbanized Catchment
    Freshwater Biology (2008) 53, 2061–2075 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2008.02030.x Source–sink dynamics sustain central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) in a heavily urbanized catchment ERIC R.WAITS, MARK J. BAGLEY, MICHAEL J. BLUM, FRANK H. MCCORMICK AND JAMES M. LAZORCHAK U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Ecological Exposure Research Division, Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A. SUMMARY 1. The influence of spatial structure on population dynamics within river–stream networks is poorly understood. Utilizing spatially explicit analyses of temporal genetic variance, we tested whether persistence of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) reflects differences in habitat quality and location within a highly modified urban catchment in southwestern Ohio, U.S.A. 2. Estimates of genetic diversity did not vary with habitat quality. Nevertheless, evidence of weak but temporally stable genetic structure, location-dependent effective population sizes and rates of immigration among sites, together suggest that persistence of central stonerollers within the catchment may be attributable to source–sink dynam- ics driven by habitat heterogeneity. 3. Under this scenario, migrant-pool colonization from areas of relatively high habitat quality in the upper catchment sustains the presence of central stonerollers at degraded sites in the main stem and dampens population subdivision within the catchment. However, because intact habitat is restricted to the upper portion of the catchment, it is not possible to preclude net downstream dispersal as a mechanism contributing to source– sink dynamics. The slight genetic structure that persists appears to reflect weak isolation by distance diminished by high rates of immigration. 4. This study suggests that without a systems perspective of the conditions that sustain populations in degraded waterways, environmental assessments may underestimate levels of impairment.
    [Show full text]