Abstract
Summary The range of Shovelnose Sturgeon (SVS) Scaphirhynchus platorynchus in the great rivers of central North America has contracted, but most remaining populations are considered stable, likely due to a combination of successful harvest regulations and longitudinal continuity of many river reaches, despite damming in upper reaches. The evolutionary relationships of SVS relative to sister taxa is still a matter of debate. Genetic diversity varies across the range, with substantial haplotype overlap among SVS and its congeners. Shovelnose Sturgeon mature early at 5–7 years, and spawn every 2–3 years. Some individuals may spawn in fall. Whether this species migrates is debatable, but individuals move long distances with larvae dispersing greater than 250 km, and adults moving >1900 km. Shovelnose Sturgeon appear to complete all aspects of their life cycle in the main channel of rivers, with sand and associated dunes playing an important role in station holding even at high flows. The greatest threats to this species include river temperatures exceeding 26°C that may impair growth and survival of young life stages, dams that impair movement during spring flooding, loss of critical mid-channel island habitats which may be important nursery areas, and increases in harvest pressure for the caviar trade. Given the broad distribution of this species across the jurisdiction of multiple states in the US, a species-wide conservation plan should be in place to ensure that SVS populations remain stable or increase.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.