Research Document - 2009/115
Quantifying habitat requirements of four freshwater species at risk in Canada: Northern Madtom, Spotted Gar, Lake Chubsucker, and Pugnose Shiner
By L.A. Vélez-Espino, R.G. Randall and M.A. Koops
Abstract
Estimating the amount of suitable habitat needed to provide high probabilities of persistence in species at risk requires population-based recovery targets and a relationship between area and abundance in particular environments. In this paper, we define minimum area for population viability (MAPV) as the amount of suitable habitat required for a demographically sustainable recovery target based on the concept of minimum viable population size (MVP). We use demographic analyses, multiple allometric approaches, and home range in a decision flow path to guide precautionary quantifications of habitat requirements for all life stages within discrete populations. We determine MAPV for the following four freshwater species at risk in Canada: Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus), Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), Lake Chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta), and Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus). We also discuss the importance of considering aquatic and terrestrial buffer zones to complement protected habitat designations and provide effective guidance for species persistence.
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