Trends of a bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus) population in a man-made ditch network.
This study describes the trends of a bitterling population in the Bourgneuf Marsh in relation to human activities. Although there were no bitterling during the period 1987-91, the species rapidly colonized the ditch network sampled (density reaching 61.7 +/- 47.0 individuals/100 m2 and frequency of occurrence around 70-75%) during a 5-year period (1997-2001). Clearance operations probably favoured the expansion of this vulnerable fish species because of positive associations of bitterling with large and deep ditches that had been cleared in the last 2-3 years and characterized by a small cover of submerged plants. Management recommendations are discussed for conserving the bitterling population.
Carpentier
Alexandre
A
Université de Rennes 1, UMR ECOBIO 6553, Av. du Gl Leclerc, 35042 Rennes, France. alexandre.carpentier@univ-rennes1.fr
Paillisson
Jean-Marc
JM
Marion
Loïc
L
Feunteun
Eric
E
Baisez
Aurore
A
Rigaud
Christian
C
D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003530:Cyprinidae; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D011156:Population Density; D013997:Time Factors