Temporal movement of free-swimming fishes and their response to environmental variables in some of the rivers of Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

respectively. Remote telemetry techniques were used to collect data from activity sensors attached to fish. Activity (movement count per hour) from both species showed diurnal behaviour. The data analyses using generalised mixed models with random effects showed that both species responded similarly to environmental factors, with differing significance in this response. Flow was negatively correlated, and water temperature positively correlated to activity. Both variables consistently showed higher significant responses than the other environmental variables assessed. Both fish species' relationship to changes in flow and temperature can contribute to managing anthropogenic stressors and regulating flows in rivers. Further studies of this would significantly contribute to conserving these and other fish species in Kruger National Park.