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Ecological factors influencing movement of creek chub in an intermittent stream of the O zark M ountains, A rkansas
Author(s) -
Walker Richard H.,
Adams Ginny L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ecology of freshwater fish
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1600-0633
pISSN - 0906-6691
DOI - 10.1111/eff.12201
Subject(s) - streams , biological dispersal , habitat , perennial stream , ecology , movement (music) , population , persistence (discontinuity) , environmental science , biology , computer network , philosophy , demography , geotechnical engineering , sociology , computer science , aesthetics , engineering
Abstract Increasing our understanding of the traits and adaptations that promote the survival and persistence of organisms in highly dynamic environments will aid in the conservation of populations and communities. Projected effects of climate change and land alterations suggest headwater streams may become more intermittent and less predictable, consequently altering biological processes (i.e. dispersal or movement) that govern population dynamics. Few studies have provided insight into movement dynamics of nongame fishes in small headwater streams that commonly experience intermittent conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate movement of a fish species adapted to intermittent stream conditions. Our objectives were to (i) describe the general movement patterns of creek chub, S emotilus atromaculatus , in an intermittent stream and (ii) investigate which ecological factors may influence movement in patchy environments. Creek chub displayed some of the longest distances moved compared to many other stream fishes in perennial streams (179–1069 m seasonal averages; 4678 m maximum distance). Directional movement was significant only in M ay with more individuals moving upstream. The probability of creek chub movement was inversely related to habitat complexity and pool area. Creek chub adapted to intermittent stream conditions not only exhibited increases in the frequency and distance of movement compared to other nongame fishes, but also exhibited movements in relation to local habitat metrics. These results demonstrate some of the potential adaptations that are likely to promote the survival and persistence of populations in highly dynamic environments such as intermittent streams.