Open AccessRiverine fish diversity varies according to geographical isolation and land use modification
Author(s) -
Nicol Elizabeth,
Stevens Jamie R.,
Jobling Susan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.3237
Subject(s) - biodiversity , species richness , rutilus , ecology , riparian zone , genetic diversity , abundance (ecology) , habitat , geography , beta diversity , population , biology , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , sociology , demography
Understanding the environmental factors driving species‐genetic diversity correlations ( SGDC s) is critical for designing appropriate conservation and management strategies to protect biodiversity. Yet, few studies have explored the impact of changing land use patterns on SGDC s specifically in aquatic communities. This study examined patterns of genetic diversity in roach ( Rutilus rutilus L.) together with fish species composition across 19 locations in a large river catchment, spanning a gradient in land use. Our findings show significant correlations between some, but not all, species and genetic diversity end points. For example, genetic and species differentiation showed a weak but significant linear relationship across the Thames catchment, but additional diversity measures such as allelic richness and fish population abundance did not. Further examination of patterns in species and genetic diversity indicated that land use intensification has a modest effect on fish diversity compared to the combined influence of geographical isolation and land use intensification. These results indicate that environmental changes in riparian habitats have the potential to amplify shifts in the composition of stream fish communities in poorly connected river stretches. Conservation and management strategies for fish populations should, therefore, focus on enhancing connectivity between river stretches and limit conversion of nearby land to arable or urban use to maintain current levels of biodiversity.