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AnErratum to this article was published on 11 July 2006
Abstract
Freshwater aquatic organisms in North America are disproportionately imperilled when compared to their terrestrial counterparts due to widespread habitat alteration, pollution, overexploitation and the introduction of alien species. In this review, we examine the threat factors contributing to the endangerment of freshwater fishes and molluscs in Canada and further examine the nature of alien invasive species introductions affecting aquatic species at risk. Habitat loss and degradation is the predominant threat factor for Canadian freshwater fishes and molluscs that are listed as Extinct, Extirpated, Endangeredand Threatened. Alien invasive species are the second most prevalent threat for fishes, affecting 26 of 41 listed species. Alien invasive species are a threat in most parts of Canada where listed fishes are found. Most (65%) of the alien invasive species affecting listed fishes are the result of intentional introductions related to sport fishing, and the majority of these introductions are unauthorized. Fifteen fishes and two plant species are cited as alien invasive species that impact listed fishes with brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) being the most prevalent. Alien species are a threat to 6 of 11 listed mollusc species. All six species are threatened by the alien zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Great Lakes basin.
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Authors and Affiliations
Species at Risk Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Box 7000, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 8M5, Canada
Alan J. Dextrase
Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A6, Canada
Nicholas E. Mandrak
- Alan J. Dextrase
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- Nicholas E. Mandrak
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Correspondence toAlan J. Dextrase.
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An erratum to this article is available athttp://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10530-006-1833-0.
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Dextrase, A.J., Mandrak, N.E. Impacts of Alien Invasive Species on Freshwater Fauna at Risk in Canada.Biol Invasions8, 13–24 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-005-0232-2
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