Francisco Blanco-Garrido

Population and microhabitat effects of interspecific interactions on the endangered Andalusian toothcarp (Aphanius baeticus)

The Andalusian toothcarp, Aphanius baeticus, is a critically endangered cyprinodontid species, with only nine known extant populations. Although not yet studied in the field, the distribution and abundance of Andalusian toothcarp are thought to be strongly influenced by interspecific interactions. We analysed the abundance and microhabitat use of Andalusian toothcarp in two water courses, one in which several other fish species occurred (sympatric site) and one hypersaline stream in which toothcarp was the only species present (allopatric site). Fish were sampled using plastic minnow traps and results were analysed separately for three size categories. Toothcarps were clearly more abundant in the allopatric population than in the sympatric one, though the difference was less apparent in the smallest size category. In coexistence with other species, toothcarp occupied shallower microhabitats, but in both sites in the absence of shelter fish selected deeper positions than in its absence. While in the sympatric site sheltered microhabitats were used predominately by small individuals, in the allopatric ones they were used by larger ones. Observed patterns strongly suggest that predation is the main mechanism involved in the differences in abundance and microhabitat use between sites. Our results confirm that the presence or absence of coexisting species is an important habitat feature for Andalusian toothcarp populations.

Hydrological stability and otter trophic diversity: a scale-insensitive pattern?

Two recent works related Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra (L., 1758)) trophic patterns over large areas with the stabil- ity of aquatic ecosystems. Higher levels of instability lead to reduced availability and (or) predictability of fish, and conse- quently, to a decrease in fish consumption by otters. The aim of the present study is to test these macrogeographical patterns in otter diet at regional and local scales. We analysed otter diet in Mediterranean streams in southwestern Iberian Peninsula where clear hydrological stability gradients (related to drainage area or distance to the sea) could be defined. Hydrological stability was directly related to fish consumption and inversely to otter diet diversity in terms of occurrence and biomass, both at regional and local scales. The level of stability of aquatic ecosystems appears to be a critical indirect factor that modulates otter diet through its effects on fish populations. The resulting trophic patterns are maintained from local to macrogeographical scales.