Author(s): Rafael Munoz-Mas; Juan Diego Alcaraz-Hernandez; Francisco Martinez-Capel; Rui Manuel Soares Costa

Linked Author(s): Francisco Martínez-Capel

Keywords: Generalized Additive Mixed Model; Habitat duration curve; Invasive species; Mediterranean river; Physical habitat simulation

Abstract: Competition with invasive species is recognized as having a major impact on biodiversity conservation. The upper part of the Cabriel River (Eastern Iberian Peninsula) harbours the most important population of the Jucar nase ( Parachondrostoma arrigonis ; Steindachner, 1866), a fish species in imminent danger of extinction. Currently, this species cohabits with several non-native species, such as the Iberian nase ( Pseudochondrostoma polylepis ; Steindachner, 1864) and the bermejuela ( Achondrostoma arcasii ; Steindachner, 1866). The potential habitat competition with these species was studied by analysing the spatial and temporal overlapping of suitable microhabitats. Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) were developed to model microhabitat selection and these GAMMs were used to assess the habitat suitability (i.e. probability of presence) under several flows simulated with River2D. The Jucar nase will compete, spatially and temporally, for the few suitable microhabitats with bermejuela and, to a lesser extent, with small Iberian nase; conversely, large Iberian nase was of minor concern, due to increased differences in habitat preferences. This study represents an important assessment of potential competition and, therefore, these results might assist to better define future management practices in the upper part of the Cabriel River.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24705357.2016.1276417

Year: 2017