Determining factor in habitat selection of Paracobitis iranica (Nalbant & Bianco 1998) population in Kordan River, Namak Lake Basin, Iran

Abstract

Considering the fact that fish biodiversity conservation and land uses planning, require reliable information about fish distribution and habitat use patterns In order to describe species habitat properties, habitat use and habitat selectivity indices are applied. Relative frequency and environmental variables, depth, width, slope of river, altitude, velocity, substrate, Overstream canopy closure and riparian vegetation type, were measured in 68 stations from upstream to downstream, to assess habitat properties of Iranial loach, Paracobitis iranica, in Kordan River.The habitat use and habitat selection ranges were achieved for each variable, considering habitat availability. Boulders, deciduous forest riparian vegetation type and 71-90% Overstream canopy closure, existed in selected habitat of this fish. The results of present study could help to identify habitat requirements of this endemic species.

Keywords

• freshwater habitat
• habitat use
• habitat selection
• environmental variables