Research Document - 2003/074
An Area-Per Individual (API) Model for estimating critical habitat requirements in Aquatic Species-At Risk
By Minns, C.K.
Abstract
Identifying and mapping critical habitats will be a primary element in efforts to protect and restore of Canada's aquatic species at risk once minimum safe population sizes are established. A simple multi-stage population model for freshwater fishes is presented as a basis for estimating how much habitat will be needed. Spawning, yoy, and one+ life stages are considered. Links between area-per-individual (API) of available suitable habitat and life stage processes provide a means for estimating habitat requirements and identifying potential productivity bottlenecks. Life history strategy affects the dynamics of populations and the patterns of life-stage habitat requirements. How habitat quality can affect population success is examined. Results are presented for representative freshwater fish species (lake charr which is well known and deepwater sculpin which is a poorly known species-at-risk). Approaches to the estimation of API are explored. The model may be extended to more complex life histories and should be broadly applicable to other aquatic species-at-risk.
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