科研之友
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摘要
As concerns for losses of migratory species heighten globally, scientists are being challenged to characterize diversity in the migratory behaviors to support scientifically defensible conservation programs. Anecdotal observations of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) inhabiting Lake Superior and its tributaries suggest the occurrence of two forms: a large lake form hypothesized to originate in streams and reside in Lake Superior for significant parts of the year and a small stream form hypothesized to be stream resident. Declines in the lake form are a conservation concern and understanding of the variation in migratory behavior is needed to assist conservation efforts. We used analyses of vertebrae and otoliths to test whether the growth histories of lake and stream caught fish differed as expected for adult and juvenile stages from a migratory population (migration), individuals differing in the age of outmigration to the lake (staggered migration), or a combination of residents and migrants (partial migration). Lake caught fish grew faster and lived longer than stream caught fish and differences in length-at-age were apparent by the end of the first year of life. There was no evidence of individuals abruptly changing growth history in a way that would suggest habitat switches later in life. Growth histories of lake and stream caught brook trout were also similar to those of migrants and residents from other brook trout populations or sub-populations. Our findings support the hypothesis of partial migration as an explanation for the diversity observed in Lake Superior brook trout and demonstrate how analyses of growth histories can help clarify migratory systems in species whose movements are challenging to track.
- 出版日期2011-7
