 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstractsHabitat preferences of giant kokopu, Galaxias argenteusMartin L. BonnettJulian R. E. SykesNational Institute of Water & Atmospheric
Abstract The giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus (Gmelin 1789)) is endemic to New Zealand, and is regarded as threatened. A perceived decline of the species has been attributed mostly to the loss and degradation of its habitat. To determine habitat requirements, information from the New Zealand Freshwater Fisheries Database, and from field surveys in the South Island were analysed. These indicated that five habitat features are important: in-stream cover, deep water, low water velocity, proximity to the sea, and overhead shade/riparian cover. These features were important in two distinct regions surveyed and for both juvenile and adult fish. The effects of different types of riparian and in-stream cover were examined, but it appeared that the presence of some form of cover was more important than its composition. The conservation and management of giant kokopu will probably continue to be based upon management of their habitat, and these processes will be enhanced by the knowledge of the species’ habitat requirements. Keywords giant kokopu; Galaxias argenteus; New Zealand; habitat; habitat preference; freshwater fish M01005 Received 5 January 2001; accepted 18 May 2001 PDF file of entire paper: Print-quality This year's abstracts | Journal home page | All abstracts | Publishing home page |