What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the role of nonnative rainbow trout encroachment in driving the range contraction and habitat displacement of native brook trout in Southern Appalachian streams.

March 1, 1985Transactions of the American Fisheries Society

Encroachment of Exotic Rainbow Trout into Stream Populations of Native Brook Trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

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Authors

GLGary L. LarsonUnited States Geological Survey SMStephen E. MooreQueensland Government

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Implication

Ecological survey reveals displacement and habitat restriction of native brook trout by introduced rainbow trout in Appalachian streams, highlighting the risk of headwater extirpation.

Key Points

To assess the role of nonnative rainbow trout encroachment in driving the range contraction and habitat displacement of native brook trout in Southern Appalachian streams.
Analyzed historical records and field distribution patterns of native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and exotic rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) across streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Evaluated population densities, biomass, age-0 abundance, and microhabitat positioning across allopatric zones and sympatric transition stretches.
In comparable stream reaches, allopatric populations maintained equivalent numerical densities, but rainbow trout attained roughly 1.8 times greater biomass due to larger average body size.
Adult brook trout inhabited main channel environments in allopatry but were restricted to marginal stream perimeters when sympatric with rainbow trout.
Zones of sympatry extended up to 3.2 km, with age-0 recruitment of either species substantially suppressed unless adults of the competing species were rare.

Cite This Study

Larson et al. (1985) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7a026f8d250a4360f3d90f https://doi.org/10.1577/1548-8659(1985)114<195:eoerti>2.0.co;2

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Implication

Ecological survey reveals displacement and habitat restriction of native brook trout by introduced rainbow trout in Appalachian streams, highlighting the risk of headwater extirpation.

Encroachment of Exotic Rainbow Trout into Stream Populations of Native Brook Trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Encroachment of Exotic Rainbow Trout into Stream Populations of Native Brook Trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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Also Consider