Habitat characterization and species distribution model of the only large-lake population of the endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844).

ABSTRACT: The endangered Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana, Kirtland 1844) is native to North America and primarily riverine, with the only known large-lake population in Lake Erie. Once a major component of the Lake Erie fish community, it declined and became nearly extirpated in the mid-1900s. Recent collections in western Lake Erie suggest that Silver Chub may be able to recover, but their habitat and distribution are poorly known. A recent work showed an extensive area of western Lake Erie with the potential to support large numbers of Silver Chub, but was based on a geographically limited dataset. We developed a neural network-based species distribution model for the Silver Chub in western Lake Erie, improved by new synoptic data and using habitat variables resistant to anthropogenic

SUBMITTER: McKenna JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7663989 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature