Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844)
Abstract The endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) is native to North America and primarily riverine, with the only known large‐lake population in Lake Erie. Once a major component of the Lake Erie fish community, it declined and became nearly extirpated in the mid‐1900s. R...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2020-11-01
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| Series: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6830 |
| _version_ | 1831557459267813376 |
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| author | James E. McKenna Jr. Patrick M. Kocovsky |
| author_facet | James E. McKenna Jr. Patrick M. Kocovsky |
| author_sort | James E. McKenna Jr. |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) is native to North America and primarily riverine, with the only known large‐lake population in Lake Erie. Once a major component of the Lake Erie fish community, it declined and became nearly extirpated in the mid‐1900s. Recent collections in western Lake Erie suggest that Silver Chub may be able to recover, but their habitat and distribution are poorly known. A recent work showed an extensive area of western Lake Erie with the potential to support large numbers of Silver Chub, but was based on a geographically limited dataset. We developed a neural network‐based species distribution model for the Silver Chub in western Lake Erie, improved by new synoptic data and using habitat variables resistant to anthropogenic activities. The Potential model predictions were compared with a model that included anthropogenic‐sensitive variables. The Potential model used 10 habitat variables and performed well, explaining > 99% of data variation and had generally low error rates. Predictions indicated that a large area of the waters approximately 2–9 m deep contained Appropriate habitat and the highest abundances should be supported by habitat in a wide arc through the western end of the basin. The model indicated that Appropriate Silver Chub habitat was associated with relatively deep water, near coastal wetlands, where effective fetch is less than average. Disturbance model predictions were similar, but predicted poorer Silver Chub habitat in more areas than that predicted by the Potential model. Our Potential model reveals Appropriate habitat conditions for Silver Chub and its spatial distribution, indicating that extensive areas of western Lake Erie could support Silver Chub. Comparisons with Disturbance model predictions demonstrate that Potential model predictions may be used in conjunction with analyses of degrading conditions in the system to better conserve and manage for this endangered species. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-17T04:51:36Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-16316096d26f4c42b6a1e8b9b1e89063 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-7758 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-17T04:51:36Z |
| publishDate | 2020-11-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Ecology and Evolution |
| spelling | doaj.art-16316096d26f4c42b6a1e8b9b1e890632022-12-21T22:02:52ZengWileyEcology and Evolution2045-77582020-11-011021120761209010.1002/ece3.6830Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844)James E. McKenna Jr.0Patrick M. Kocovsky1US Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science Cortland NY USAUS Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center Lake Erie Biological Station Sandusky OH USAAbstract The endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) is native to North America and primarily riverine, with the only known large‐lake population in Lake Erie. Once a major component of the Lake Erie fish community, it declined and became nearly extirpated in the mid‐1900s. Recent collections in western Lake Erie suggest that Silver Chub may be able to recover, but their habitat and distribution are poorly known. A recent work showed an extensive area of western Lake Erie with the potential to support large numbers of Silver Chub, but was based on a geographically limited dataset. We developed a neural network‐based species distribution model for the Silver Chub in western Lake Erie, improved by new synoptic data and using habitat variables resistant to anthropogenic activities. The Potential model predictions were compared with a model that included anthropogenic‐sensitive variables. The Potential model used 10 habitat variables and performed well, explaining > 99% of data variation and had generally low error rates. Predictions indicated that a large area of the waters approximately 2–9 m deep contained Appropriate habitat and the highest abundances should be supported by habitat in a wide arc through the western end of the basin. The model indicated that Appropriate Silver Chub habitat was associated with relatively deep water, near coastal wetlands, where effective fetch is less than average. Disturbance model predictions were similar, but predicted poorer Silver Chub habitat in more areas than that predicted by the Potential model. Our Potential model reveals Appropriate habitat conditions for Silver Chub and its spatial distribution, indicating that extensive areas of western Lake Erie could support Silver Chub. Comparisons with Disturbance model predictions demonstrate that Potential model predictions may be used in conjunction with analyses of degrading conditions in the system to better conserve and manage for this endangered species.https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6830aquatic habitatGreat LakesLake Erienative speciesspecies distribution |
| spellingShingle | James E. McKenna Jr. Patrick M. Kocovsky Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) Ecology and Evolution aquatic habitat Great Lakes Lake Erie native species species distribution |
| title | Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) |
| title_full | Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) |
| title_fullStr | Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) |
| title_short | Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large‐lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) |
| title_sort | habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large lake population of the endangered silver chub macrhybopsis storeriana kirtland 1844 |
| topic | aquatic habitat Great Lakes Lake Erie native species species distribution |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6830 |
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