Modelling stream fish species distribution in a river network: the relative effects of temperature versus physical factors

Abstract

– The relative influence of temperature versus local physical factors on the spatial distribution of riverine fish species was investigated in a large watershed of south‐western France. Using generalised additive models and hierarchical partitioning, we modelled the ecological responses of 28 fish species to a set of five environmental predictors, and we quantified the independent effect of each predictor. The spatial distribution of fish species was primarily determined by both mean temperature and position along the upstream–downstream gradient. However, responses to these environmental factors varied according to the species considered. Fish species with strong thermal requirements (e.g., common carp, black bullhead, Atlantic salmon) were mainly sensitive to temperature whereas longitudinal gradient was of primary importance for downstream species (e.g., common bream, largemouth bass, pike perch). Both the statistical methods used gave concordant results and appeared complementary. This dual‐approach, quantifying the relative contribution of each environmental factor, appears particularly useful to understand the spatial distribution of stream fish species. Separating the effects of temperature versus habitat factors is crucial to accurately predict species distribution modifications in the current context of global change.

Distribution patterns of fish communities with respect to environmental gradients in Korean streams

“…Freshwater fish typically rank highly in the trophic system (Moyle and Cech, 2000), and fish distribution is often influenced by environmental variables and habitat characteristics (Matthews and Robison, 1988;Matthews et al, 1992;Kouame´lan et al, 2003;Buisson et al, 2007). In temperate rivers, changes in fish communities are associated with increases in habitat diversity; the relevant factors include stream order and width, altitude, and substrate composition (Belliard et al, 1997;Oberdorff et al, 2001;Grenouillet et al, 2004).…”

Global climate change will severely decrease potential distribution of the East Asian coldwater fish Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae)

“…These changes have already produced numerous effects on species' distribution and phenology, with general trends towards earlier spring activity, poleward colonization, range contractions, biodiversity losses and equator-side extinctions in species' distribution (Parmesan, 1996;Visser et al, 1998;Parmesan et al, 1999;Chapin et al, 2000;Jackson & Mandrak, 2002;McLaughlin et al, 2002;Parmesan & Yohe, 2003;Thomas et al, 2004). Freshwater fish species are expected to be significantly influenced by climate change, as they are ectothermic animals whose dispersal is limited within hydrographic networks (Grant et al, 2007;Buisson et al, 2008a). Moreover, coldwater species, especially those that inhabit up-streams (e.g.…”

Relações entre diversidade íctia e fatores hidrodinâmicos de um riacho na bacia do rio Uruguai

“…Alguns estudos mostram que a estrutura da comunidade e a diversidade das espécies da biota aquática são afetadas por condições físi-cas e ambientais locais como condições hidrodinâmicas ( Marchetti & Moyle 2001, Lamouroux & Cattanéo 2006, o substrato (Humpl & Pivnicka 2006, Vlach et al 2005), a vegetação ciliar (Growns et al 2003), a composição química (Lappaleinen & Soininen 2006) e a temperatura (Buisson et al 2007). As condições hidrodinâmicas de um curso de água influenciam em seus ciclos de vida (Strange et al 1993, Hilderbrand 1999, Wildhaber et al 2000, Goldstein et al 2007).…”