Spatial and temporal dynamics of fish-habitat interactions in Yuvarlakçay stream (Muğla, Türkiye)
Year 2024,
Volume: 7 Issue: 4, 189 - 198, 06.10.2024
Nildeniz Karakuş
Abstract
Human activities significantly impact freshwater ecosystems, and the dynamic nature of fluvial ecosystems makes resident species more vulnerable. The ecological importance of freshwater organisms is often overlooked in conservation concepts. The Yuvarlakçay Stream in Muğla, Türkiye, hosts endemic species but lacks conservation plans despite various threats. Freshwater habitat quality significantly affects fish survival, emphasising the need to establish fish-habitat relationships. This study aims to reveal habitat use and temporal/spatial interactions of fish in the ecosystem. In this context, Constrained Quadratic Ordination (CQO) and Point Abundance Sampling (PAS) with electrofishing are employed to understand fish-habitat relationships in the Yuvarlakçay Stream. The results revealed insignificant spatial variations over seasons within the fish populations. The endemic Aegean chub Squalius fellowesii, barbel Barbus xanthos, and spined loach Cobitis fahireae emerged as the most prevalent species in the study. Their presence was consistent across seasons, and their habitat relations exhibited overlaps. Water abstraction for agricultural and aquacultural purposes is defined as the major threat in the area, compounded by climate change-induced reductions in rainfall.
Ethical Statement
This study was conducted by approval (2021/13-2) of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University-Local Ethics Committee for Aquatic Animal Experimentation.
Supporting Institution
This study was supported by the Scientific & Technological Re-search Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK)
Project Number
1919B012101484
Thanks
I sincerely thank Uğur Karakuş and Gizem Demircan, who helped with the sampling in the Yuvarlakçay Stream.
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