Metapopulations and salmonids: a synthesis of life history patterns and empirical observations

Rieman BE, Dunham JB. Metapopulations and salmonids: a synthesis of B. E. Rieman1, J. B. Dunham2 life history patterns and empirical observations. 1U.S. Forest Service, Rockey Mountain Research Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2000: 9: 51–64. C Munksgaard, 2000 Station, Boise, Idaho, 2Biological Resources Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Abstract – Metapopulation theory has attracted considerable interest USA with reference to the salmonids. There has been little empirical evidence, however, to guide the evaluation or application of metapopulation concepts. From knowledge of salmonid life histories and our own work with bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) and westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi), we suggest that simple generalizations of salmonid metapopulations are inappropriate. Although spatial structuring and dispersal mechanisms are evident, the relevance of extinction and colonization processes are likely to vary with life history, species, scale, and landscape. Understanding dispersal, the role of suitable but unoccupied habitats, and