Download or read book Habitat Segregation of Cutthroat Trout Phenotypes in the Upper Snake River Yellowstone National Park written by Audrey Squires and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout (SRC) diverged 10,000-20,000 years ago from the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YSC). The two exhibit distinct morphological differences based mainly in their unique spotting patterns. Most previous research of the SRC has been related to its value as a fishery species. This research fills a hole in the literature by investigating ecological preferences of the SRC, specifically with respect to habitat, and as compared to the USC. Results suggest that the SRC prefers streams with high discharge. The SRC was found only in the main stem of the Snake River and did not enter tributaries within the study area. Thisis likely due to a combination of the following: (1) the SRC exhibits a genetic preference for faster, larger streams; (2) the SRC has not entered the tributaries because of steeper gradients; )3) the tributaries are too far from the main range of the SRC (Palisades Reservoir to Jackson Lake); (4) the tributaries within the study area are much higher in elevation than the streams within the main range of the SRC. This analysis of the ecological differences between the YSC and the SRC is important to confidently identify the SRC as a distinct subspecies, as it is currently considered undescribed. Moreover, an understanding of habitat preferences will aid conservation and management efforts of key habitat types and hopefully lead to further protection of the cutthroat trout.

Download or read book Conservation Assessment for Inland Cutthroat Trout written by Donald A. Duff and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 1998-04 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This document focuses on the current status, distribution and range for five subspecies of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki, which are found largely on national forest system lands and ecosystems in the Rocky Mountain and Intermountain West within the U.S. from the Canadian to the Mexican border. The 5 subspecies -- Westslope, Yellowstone, Bonneville, Rio Grande, and Colorado River cutthroat trout -- are designated either species of special concern or sensitive. These subspecies are presently restricted to a fragment of their former range. Includes assessment methods, and origins and taxonomic theory. Illustrated.

Download or read book Conservation Assessment for Inland Cutthroat Trout written by and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Cutthroat written by Pat Trotter and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 572 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cutthroat tells the full story of the genuine native trout of the American West. This new edition, thoroughly revised and updated after 20 years, synthesizes what is currently known about one of our most interesting and colorful fishes, includes much new information on its biology and ecology, asks how it has fared in the last century, and looks toward its future. In a passionate and accessibly written narrative, Patrick Trotter, fly fisher, environmental advocate, and science consultant, details the evolution, natural history, and conservation of each of the cutthroat's races and incorporates more personal reflections on the ecology and environmental history of the West's river ecosystems. The bibliography now includes what may be the most comprehensive and complete set of references available anywhere on the cutthroat trout. Written for anglers, nature lovers, environmentalists, and students, and featuring vibrant original illustrations by Joseph Tomelleri, this is an essential reference for anyone who wants to learn more about this remarkable, beautiful, and fragile western native.

Download or read book Conservation Status of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout written by and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Multiscale Genetic Structure of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the Upper Snake River Basin written by and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 16 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvierii have declined throughout their native range as a result of habitat fragmentation, overharvest, and introductions of nonnative trout that have hybridized with or displaced native populations. The degree to which these factors have impacted the current genetic population structure of Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations is of primary interest for their conservation. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and genetic population structure of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Idaho and Nevada with data from six polymorphic microsatellite loci. A total of 1,392 samples were analyzed from 45 sample locations throughout 11 major river drainages. We found that levels of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation varied extensively. The Salt River drainage, which is representative of the least impacted migration corridors in Idaho, had the highest levels of genetic diversity and low levels of genetic differentiation. High levels of genetic differentiation were observed at similar or smaller geographic scales in the Portneuf River, Raft River, and Teton River drainages, which are more altered by anthropogenic disturbances. Results suggested that Yellowstone cutthroat trout are naturally structured at the major river drainage level but that habitat fragmentation has altered this structuring. Connectivity should be restored via habitat restoration whenever possible to minimize losses in genetic diversity and to preserve historical processes of gene flow, life history variation, and metapopulation dynamics. However, alternative strategies for management and conservation should also be considered in areas where there is a strong likelihood of nonnative invasions or extensive habitat fragmentation that cannot be easily ameliorated.

Download or read book Inventory of Fish Species in the Snake River Watershed Within Yellowstone National Park written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Under the direction of the inventory and monitoring component of the Natural Resource Challenge, National Park Service biologists in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) began a three-year inventory of the Snake River watershed in 2004. Although the Snake River drainage is the third-largest in the park, less than half of the main stem and few of the tributaries had ever been sampled in a systematic manner. Not only does the Snake River contain the most diverse assemblage of native fish species in the park, but two of YNP's three types of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) also reside there. Although Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. bouvieri) and Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout (O. c. subsp.) exhibit observable phenotypic differences in terms of their spotting patterns, considerable debate about their true historic distribution and taxonomic status has occurred because the two subspecies have been nearly indistinguishable when examined meristically or genetically. As a cooperative effort with U.S. Forest Service biologists of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, we sampled the watershed with the following objectives: (1) to conduct a systematic survey of the Snake River tributaries and determine the distribution of the two types of cutthroat trout there; (2) to describe population characteristics of native and non-native fish species; and (3) to obtain samples for genetic analyses in order to compare field identification with laboratory results of individual genetic identity. To accomplish these objectives, we subdivided the main stem into more than 30 sections of 2 km each. Tributary sample sections were much shorter; each section was one-tenth of that stream's total perennial length. In each survey section, the survey crew electrofished 50-100 m of the stream or until a representative sample was obtained. We attempted to catch at least three cutthroat trout longer than 150 mm from each sample reach, as individuals shorter than this length often display indistinct spotting patterns. Mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) were the most abundant species captured in the main stem, but their distribution was restricted to areas downstream from the confluence with the Heart River. Cutthroat trout and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) were captured throughout the watershed. However, the seven fish identified in the field as fine-spotted cutthroat trout were restricted to the lower sections of the main stem. Most of the other native species, and the few brown trout (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) found in this survey, were collected in the same sections as the mountain whitefish. The Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout were the largest individuals captured during the survey; several were longer than 400 mm. Many of the other cutthroat trout were younger fish between 100 and 125 mm long. Consequently, most of the cutthroat trout caught in the main stem could not be definitively identified in the field as either the fine-spotted form or the large-spotted Yellowstone cutthroat trout. In most of the tributaries, only Yellowstone cutthroat trout and mottled sculpin were caught. Cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and five non-game species were captured from the Heart River. Typically, the cutthroat trout that could be identified in the tributaries were smaller and exhibited different coloration than the adult fish from the main stem.

Download or read book Revised Bibliography on the Cutthroat Trout written by Oliver B. Cope and published by . This book was released on 1964 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This paper is a compilation of 221 abstracts of publications on the biology, culture, distribution, and management of the cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki Richardson. The 1958 publication, "Annotated Bibliography on the Cutthroat Trout," contained 135 abstracts, which have been incorporated with recent ones to form the present report.

Download or read book Life History Diversity of Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat Trout written by Kristen Michele Homel and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 13 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last century, native trout have experienced dramatic population declines, particularly in larger river systems where habitats associated with different spawning life history forms have been lost through habitat degradation and fragmentation. The resulting decrease in life history diversity has affected the capacity of populations to respond to environmental variability and disturbance. Unfortunately, because few large rivers are intact enough to permit full expression of life history diversity, it is unclear what patterns of diversity should be a conservation target. In this study, radiotelemetry was used to identify spawning and migration patterns of Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii behnkei in the upper Snake River. Individuals were implanted with radio tags in October 2007 and 2008, and monitored through October 2009. Radio-tagged cutthroat trout in the upper Snake River exhibited variation in spawning habitat type and location, migration distance, spawn timing, postspawning behavior, and susceptibility to mortality sources. Between May and July, Cutthroat Trout spawned in runoff-dominated tributaries, groundwater-dominated spring creeks, and side channels of the Snake River. Individuals migrated up to 101 km from tagging locations in the upper Snake River to access spawning habitats, indicating that the upper Snake River provided seasonal habitat for spawners originating throughout the watershed. Postspawning behavior also varied; by August each year, 28% of spring-creek spawners remained in their spawning location, compared with 0% of side-channel spawners and 7% of tributary spawners. These spawning and migration patterns reflect the connectivity, habitat diversity, and dynamic template of the Snake River. Ultimately, promoting life history diversity through restoration of complex habitats may provide the most opportunities for cutthroat trout persistence in an environment likely to experience increased variability from climate change and disturbance from invasive species.

Download or read book Spatial Ecology and Life history Diversity of Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus Clarkii Behnkei in the Upper Snake River WY written by Kristen Michele Homel and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life-history diversity, movement patterns, and habitat associations of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii have been widely studied in smaller river systems and are critical components of conservation planning. However, much less is known about how the patterns observed in smaller systems may "scale up" in larger, complex river systems. In my dissertation, I evaluated the life-history variation and spatial ecology of Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout O. c. behnkei in the upper Snake River, WY and collaborated on a statistical method to characterize habitat occupancy from radio-telemetry data. For my first chapter, I identified the life-history diversity and movement patterns of cutthroat trout in a large river network using radio-telemetry. Spawning occurred from May through July throughout the upper Snake River in spring creeks, tributaries, and side channels over a spatial extent> 100 km. Postspawning movement patterns varied among spawning areas and life-history forms. Results indicated that life-history diversity in large river networks is substantially more complex than may be observed in headwater systems, reflecting increased habitat complexity and availability in larger systems. For my second chapter, I collaborated on a method to address three biases in radio-telemetry datasets: (1) data may be collected at sparse, unequal sampling intervals, (2) encountering an individual in a location does not imply occupancy, and (3) all locations between where individuals are encountered are occupied to some extent, despite the lack of observations. The resulting adaptive kernel density interpolation method treated location as a utilization distribution for each tracking interval (e.g., a week) and estimated time spent per location as a function of individual movement speed and time since last relocation. For my third chapter, I evaluated habitat occupancy and movement patterns at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Spatial variation and hierarchical structure in the physical template interacted to produce contextual variation in the availability and function of habitat attributes (e.g., wood functioning as cover or as a velocity break). Collectively, these studies provide a more complete understanding of life-history diversity in a large river network and the way in which variation in the physical template shapes habitat occupancy, and movement patterns.

Download or read book Ecology and Population Abundance of Cutthroat Trout in the Yellowstone River Yellowstone National Park written by Jack S. Griffith and published by . This book was released on 1982 with total page 16 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Hybridization Between Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout in the Upper Snake River Basin Wyoming written by Ryan P. Kovach and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human-induced hybridization between fish populations and species is a major threat to aquatic biodiversity worldwide and is particularly relevant to management of the subspecies of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii. The upper Snake River basin in Wyoming contains one of the largest remaining populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout O. clarkii bouvieri, a subspecies of special concern throughout its range; however, little is known about levels of hybridization between Yellowstone cutthroat trout and exotic rainbow trout O. mykiss or about the overall genetic population structure for this river basin. There is concern that the Gros Ventre River is a source of hybridization for the Snake River basin. We sampled across the upper Snake River basin to estimate levels of hybridization and population structure and to describe hybrid zone structure and spatial patterns of hybridization throughout the basin. We used this information to help resolve whether the Gros Ventre River was acting as a potential source of hybridization for the upper Snake River basin. We found that Yellowstone cutthroat trout genotypes dominated the river system, but hybridization was detected at low levels in all populations. The Gros Ventre River contained the highest levels of hybridization (population and individual) and displayed evidence of ongoing hybridization between parental genotypes. Levels of hybridization decreased as a function of distance from the Gros Ventre River, suggesting that this population is acting as a source of rainbow trout genes. These patterns were evident despite the fact that levels of genetic connectivity appeared to be higher than those observed in other cutthroat trout populations (global genetic differentiation index F ST = 0.04), and we did not find evidence for genetic isolation by distance. Management actions aimed at reducing the presence of highly hybridized cutthroat trout or rainbow trout individuals in the Gros Ventre River will help to maintain the upper Snake River basin as an important conservation area.

Download or read book Life History Characteristics and the Effects of Climate on Growth of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Headwater Basins written by Patrick Ryan Uthe and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 85 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout was historically distributed throughout the Upper Yellowstone and Upper Snake River drainages, but now occupies only 42% of its original range because of habitat degradation and introduced salmonid species. Many of the current strongholds are located on public land in mountainous watersheds with low human disturbance. However, knowledge of life history characteristics of headwater populations is limited. Moreover, streams throughout the Rocky Mountains have already exhibited symptoms of climate change through alterations in thermal and hydrologic regimes, but it is unknown how these changes will affect fish populations. To address these needs, we implemented a mark-recapture study on five populations of trout from Spread Creek, Wyoming, and Shields River, Montana, to estimate annual growth, survival rates, and movement patterns, and document the effects of discharge, temperature, and food availability on summer growth patterns. Survival rates were high compared to survival rates of other Cutthroat Trout subspecies and large trout generally had lower survival rates than small trout. Downstream movements out of streams by tagged trout were substantial. Annual growth rates varied among streams and size classes, but were relatively low compared to populations of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from large, low elevation streams. Trout grew more in length than weight in summer, suggesting an investment in structural growth rather than accumulation of reserve tissues. Temperature and discharge had strong effects on summer growth, but the effect of discharge was greater for growth in weight than in length, probably resulting from increased prey availability at high discharges. Temperature interacted with fish length such that small trout responded favorably to increased average daily temperatures near physiological optima and increased growing season length, whereas large trout responded negatively to warming temperatures. These estimates of key demographic parameters are useful in developing management and conservation strategies. Additionally, we documented that even under thermally suitable conditions, discharge can have significant effects on growth, making it important to consider multiple factors affected by climate change when devising climate adaptation strategies for coldwater fishes.

Download or read book Modeling Population Interactions Between Native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Invasive Rainbow Trout in the South Fork Snake River written by EvaLinda DeVita and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The upper South Fork Snake River in Idaho supports one of the last remaining large- river populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouveri), which is threatened by competition and hybridization with introduced rainbow trout (O. mykiss). The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has implemented a three-pronged approach to preserving Yellowstone cutthroat trout that consists of reproductive isolation using barrier weirs, flow management, and angler harvest of rainbow/hybrid trout. This thesis presents an updated and expanded version of a model of the population dynamics of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and rainbow/hybrid trout that is used to conduct simulation experiments to predict the likely outcomes of multiple potential management scenarios and identify the management combinations most likely to result in long-term persistence of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the study reach. A discrete-time, age-structured population model tracks same age cohorts of tributary-spawning Yellowstone cutthroat trout, river-spawning Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and rainbow/hybrid trout separately through life stages, population interactions, and mortality, including spawning and hybridization, potential peak spring flow-induced mortality of eggs and fry, age-0 competition for flow-dependent habitat during the first winter, and size-dependent angler harvest of rainbow/hybrid trout.

Download or read book Snake River Cutthroat Trout Investigations written by Douglas B. Houston and published by . This book was released on 1968 with total page 53 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Distribution Movements and Life history Characteristics of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus Clarkii Bouvieri in the Upper Yellowstone River Drainage written by Brian Daniel Ertel and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Distribution and abundance of Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri, has declined across the historic range because of anthropogenic influences. Habitat has been fragmented and non-native species have been introduced that compete with, feed upon, or interbreed with cutthroat trout. As a result, many cutthroat trout populations are now isolated in headwater streams and life-history forms are lost or reduced. The upper Yellowstone River basin, above Yellowstone Lake, offers a rare opportunity to study Yellowstone cutthroat trout in a large, intact, river system with few anthropogenic influences. Understanding of life-history forms present in the upper Yellowstone River basin assist in proper conservation and management of the watershed. To determine cutthroat trout life-history forms present, their abundance, and habitat preferences, a combination of radio-telemetry, electrofishing, underwater census, habitat assessment, and age and growth were used. Movements of 151 cutthroat trout were tracked by aircraft, 2003-2005. Most relocated fish (98%) followed a lacustrine-adfluvial life history migration pattern, spending an average 24 days in the river. Cutthroat began entering the river in April and most emigrated by August. Fish migrated as far as 67 km to spawn and spawning aggregations within the system were found in only 11 locations. Underwater census and electrofishing surveys were used to determine fish distribution and abundance in the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. Main stem cutthroat trout densities were low and not evenly distributed. A mean of 8 fish/500 m reach were sampled with the majority in 8 reaches. Juvenile (150 mm, 2 years old) and large adult (330 mm,4 years old) cutthroat trout were found in the main stem, but fish from 151-330 mm (age 3) were absent. Within tributaries, fish densities ranged from 1.7-49.5 fish/100 m reach. Fish up to 305 mm were sampled and ranged 1 to 4 years in age. Data from this study suggest most cutthroat trout in the upper Yellowstone River express a lacustrine-adfluvial life history, however, some fluvial fish are present in tributaries. These findings will be important in driving conservation and management decisions in this drainage and provide critical information in future ESA listing considerations.

Download or read book Studies on the Ecology of the Snake River Cutthroat Trout written by John W. Kiefling and published by . This book was released on 1978 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: