Lake bathymetry and species occurrence predict the distribution of a lacustrine apex predator |
| |
| Authors: | M R Hughes J A Dodd P S Maitland C E Adams |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.;2. Fish Conservation Centre, East Lothian, Scotland, U.K. |
| |
| Abstract: | This study examined the abiotic and biotic characteristics of ecosystems that allow expression of a life history called ferox trout, the colloquial name given to brown trout Salmo trutta adopting a piscivorous life history strategy, an apex predator in post‐glacial lakes in northern Europe. One hundred and ninety‐two lakes in Scotland show evidence of currently, or historically, supporting ferox S. trutta; their presence was predicted in logistic models by larger and deeper lakes with a large catchment that also support populations of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus. |
| |
| Keywords: | apex predator Arctic charr brown trout ferox S trutta post‐glacial lakes Scotland |
|
|
