What is it about?
In this study we compared the niche of two species of fish that were introduced to the Great Lakes. Following introduction, these two species spread at different rates and ranges. We demonstrated that the faster, further spreading species has a broader and more flexible dietary and habitat niche. Niche analysis was based on assessment of diet history locked in the tissues of the fish (variation in stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen).
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Why is it important?
Our findings suggest that a broad and flexible niche facilitates species to spread faster and further. This information on species specific traits is important for assessing the risk of introduction and impact to the ecosystem and economy. This study also adds to our understanding of the drivers of species spread and distribution in general, which can help in predicting the future distribution of species and determine appropriate conservation measures.
Perspectives
This research was the first article I published from my PhD on the 'Ecological Niche of Aquatic Invasive Species' and was completed as part of a large nation-wide project tackling invasive species, the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network. After reading this article I hope you get inspired to read further and take a look at my thesis and associated publications.
Dr. Harri Pettitt-Wade
Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Niche plasticity in invasive fishes in the Great Lakes, Biological Invasions, April 2015, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-0894-3.
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