- Author : Audrey Squires
- Publisher :
- Release : 2007
- ISBN :
- Pages : 29 pages
Habitat Segregation of Cutthroat Trout Phenotypes in the Upper Snake River Yellowstone National Park
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.