Population genetics of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the upper Athabasca River basin.

ABSTRACT: Freshwater ecosystems are negatively impacted by a variety of anthropogenic stressors, with concomitant elevated rates of population decline for freshwater aquatic vertebrates. Because reductions in population size and extent can negatively impact genetic diversity and gene flow, which are vital for sustained local adaptation, it is important to measure these characteristics in threatened species that may yet be rescued from extinction. Across its native range, Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) extent and abundance are in decline due to historic overharvest, invasive non-native species, and habitat loss. In Alberta's Eastern Slope region, populations at the range margin have progressively been lost, motivating us to better understand the amount and distribution of genetic variatio

SUBMITTER: Carroll EKT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8571605 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature