An updated review of the post-glacial history, ecology, and diversity of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and Dolly Varden (S. malma)

Weinstein, Spencer Y.; Gallagher, Colin P.; Hale, Matthew C.; Loewen, Tracey N.; Power, Michael; Reist, James D.; Swanson, Heidi K.

doi:10.1007/s10641-023-01492-0

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Consequently, shifts in habitat conditions and connectivity are anticipated to reduce overall distribution and abundance, increase isolation, diminish gene flow, and erode genetic and ecological diversity-critical for adaptation and resiliency. Additionally, Arctic char display considerable intra-species diversity, with individuals within lakes varying in morphology, behavior, and life history (Klemetsen et al, 2003;Weinstein et al, 2024). This diversity may stem from differences in genetic populations or phenotypic plasticity, related to feeding niches, spawning locations, and phenology (Brunner et al, 2001;Klemetsen, 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, populations have significantly declined, particularly in the southern part of their Holarctic range, with peripheral populations persisting in cold, deep lakes at temperate latitudes (Kelly et al, 2020). The decline of Arctic char has been attributed to various human-driven impacts, including climate change, habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and complex interactions among these stressors (Weinstein et al, 2024).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Climate change vulnerability of Arctic char across Scandinavia

Muhlfeld,

Cline,

Finstad

et al. 2024

Global Change Biology

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Climate change is anticipated to cause species to shift their ranges upward and poleward, yet space for tracking suitable habitat conditions may be limited for range‐restricted species at the highest elevations and latitudes of the globe. Consequently, range‐restricted species inhabiting Arctic freshwater ecosystems, where global warming is most pronounced, face the challenge of coping with changing abiotic and biotic conditions or risk extinction. Here, we use an extensive fish community and environmental dataset for 1762 lakes sampled across Scandinavia (mid‐1990s) to evaluate the climate vulnerability of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), the world's most cold‐adapted and northernly distributed freshwater fish. Machine learning models show that abiotic and biotic factors strongly predict the occurrence of Arctic char across the region with an overall accuracy of 89 percent. Arctic char is less likely to occur in lakes with warm summer temperatures, high dissolved organic carbon levels (i.e., browning), and presence of northern pike (Esox lucius). Importantly, climate warming impacts are moderated by habitat (i.e., lake area) and amplified by the presence of competitors and/or predators (i.e., northern pike). Climate warming projections under the RCP8.5 emission scenario indicate that 81% of extant populations are at high risk of extirpation by 2080. Highly vulnerable populations occur across their range, particularly near the southern range limit and at lower elevations, with potential refugia found in some mountainous and coastal regions. Our findings highlight that range shifts may give way to range contractions for this cold‐water specialist, indicating the need for pro‐active conservation and mitigation efforts to avoid the loss of Arctic freshwater biodiversity.

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