Predicting mussel species at risk distributions in southwestern Ontario rivers using spatial distribution models and the Aquatic Ecosystem Classification method / by Scott M. Reid, Allan H.M. Bell, Anita...: Fs97-4/3259E-PDF

"By identifying relationships with abiotic and biotic factors, output from species distribution models can help to identify the boundaries of aquatic species at risk critical habitat, direct inventories, and define the spatial units for long-term population monitoring. In this study, we tested whether SDMs can be developed from existing southern Ontario occurrence data for five mussel species at risk using MaxEnt software, a program for modelling species distributions with presence-only species records. Models were built using species presence and abiotic attribute data for the Ausable, Bayfield, Grand, Thames, and Sydenham rivers. Abiotic attributes included: channel slope, riparian and catchment forest cover, summer water temperature, surficial geology, and upstream catchment area. Attributes were based on the provincial Aquatic Ecosystem Classification (AEC) scheme. Strongly supported distribution models were developed for all five mussel species, with 2 to 4 influential predictor variables being identified for each species. Predictors identified consistently across species as influencing habitat suitability were summer water temperature and upstream contributing area. Other informative variables (i.e., geology and tree cover) were only identified for more widespread species (e.g., Wavy-rayed Lampmussel). The number of informative predictor variables for rarer species (e.g., Fawnsfoot) may be limited by the small number of species records, which could be addressed through future inventories. Incorporating the influence of anthropogenic stressors and host fish availability would also improve MaxEnt models but does require the compilation of additional databases"--Abstract, page vi.

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Publication information
Department/Agency Canada. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, issuing body.
Canada. Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Ontario and Prairie Region, issuing body.
Title Predicting mussel species at risk distributions in southwestern Ontario rivers using spatial distribution models and the Aquatic Ecosystem Classification method / by Scott M. Reid, Allan H.M. Bell, Anita LeBaron, Bastian J. Schmidt, and Nicholas E. Jones.
Series title Canadian manuscript report of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 1488-5387 ; 3259
Publication type Series - View Master Record
Language [English]
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Note(s) Includes bibliographical references (pages 7-10).
Includes abstracts in English and French.
Publishing information Burlington, ON : Ontario and Prairie Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2023.
©2023
Author / Contributor Reid, Scott, 1971- author.
Description 1 online resource (vii, 26 pages) : illustrations (chiefly colour), maps (chiefly colour).
ISBN 9780660471990
Catalogue number
  • Fs97-4/3259E-PDF
Subject terms Unionidae -- Ontario, Southwestern -- Geographical distribution.
Rare mollusks -- Ontario, Southwestern -- Geographical distribution.
Unionidés -- Ontario (Sud-Ouest) -- Distribution géographique.
Mollusques rares -- Ontario (Sud-Ouest) -- Distribution géographique.
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