Lake bathymetry and species occurrence predict the distribution of a lacustrine apex predator |
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Authors: | M. R. Hughes J. A. Dodd P. S. Maitland C. E. Adams |
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Affiliation: | 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. |
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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. |
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Keywords: | apex predator Arctic charr brown trout ferox S. trutta post‐glacial lakes Scotland |
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