Population density and habitat selection in the San Pedro Mártir rainbow trout in mountain streams of northwestern Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

We assessed the population density and habitat selection of the southernmost rainbow trout subspecies, Oncorhynchus mykiss nelsoni, in three stream sites of the Sierra San Pedro Mártir, Baja California, Mexico. Habitat units (sections of the streams visually delimited on the basis of morphological and hydrological features) were sampled between February 2014 and April 2017, along a sample length of 2,980 m corresponding to 105 habitat units, which were classified into ten types. Mean population density (individuals/m2) was similar among the streams sampled (0.035–0.039/m2), as also over time for each stream, except for San Rafael Creek. Low gradient riffle was the habitat unit with the highest mean density of trout (0.151/m2). Of overall manner (dates and sites combined), population density was positively correlated to mean total length (TL), number of trout, and pH levels, and inversely correlated to total of dissolved solids. The total length of the trout was different among sample sites with the lowest and highest values in San Antonio de Murillo Creek and La Grulla Creek, respectively. Also, the total length of individuals among types of habitat units was different, with the highest values for MCP (mid-channel pool) and SRN (step run). Dates and sites pooled, the mean total length of individuals was positively correlated to population density, number of trout, habitat unit area, macrophyte cover, and inversely correlated to temperature. Low population densities (0.011–0.106/m2) combined with its small body size (38–216 mm TL) characterize this endemic trout in the southernmost part of species’ geographic range.