An evaluation of the current extent and potential spread of Black Bass invasions in South Africa

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Authors

Khosa, Dumisani
Marr, Sean M.
Wasserman, Ryan J.
Zengeya, Tsungai Alfred
Weyl, Olaf L.F.

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Black Bass, a collective name for members of the centrarchid genus Micropterus, are native to North America, but have been introduced globally to enhance recreational angling. This study assessed the distribution of Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus in South Africa using both formal (survey-based) and informal (tournament data and social media) information sources. Analysis of the distribution data showed habitat bias between the data sources. Survey data from formal information sources were dominated by locality records in riverine environments while those derived from informal information sources focused more on lacustrine habitats. Presence data were used to develop niche models to identify suitable areas for their establishment. The predicted distribution range of M. salmoides revealed a broad suitability over most of South Africa, however, the Cape Fold Ecoregion and all coastal regions were most suitable for the establishment for both M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus. Flow accumulation and precipitation of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables associated with the presence of all Black Bass species in South Africa. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural activities were associated with the presence of both Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. An extensive area-based invasion debt was observed for all Micropterus spp. The potential for further spread of Black Bass in South Africa is of ecological concern because of their impact on native biota.

Description

Supplementary Table I Distribution records of Black Bass species in different water management areas of South Africa based on the occurrence records obtain from both formal and informal information sources used for this study.
Supplementary Table II Pearson correlation network of the environmental variables used for the development of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides maxent model. Bio 3 = isothermality, Bio 8 = mean temperature of wettest quarter, Bio 12 = annual precipitation, Bio 14 = precipitation of driest month, Bio 15 = precipitation seasonality, Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter and Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary Table III Pearson correlation network of the environmental variables used for the development of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu maxent model. Bio 3 = isothermality, Bio 8 = mean temperature of wettest quarter, Bio 10 = mean temperature of warmest quarter, Bio 15 = precipitation seasonality, Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter and Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary Table IV Pearson correlation network of the environmental variables used for the development of Spotted Bass Micropterus punctulatus maxent model. Bio 1 = annual mean temperature, Bio 4 = temperature seasonality, Bio 7 = temperature annual range, Bio 9 = mean temperature of driest quarter, Bio 14 = precipitation of driest month Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter and Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary Fig. 1 Water management areas of South Africa: A–Limpopo, B–Olifants North, C–Vaal, D–Orange, E–Olifants West, F–Buffels, G–Berg, H–Breede, J–Gouritz, K–Krom, L–Gamtoos, M–Swartkops, N–Sundays, P–Bushmans, Q–Great Fish, R–Keiskamma, S–Kei, T–Mzimvubu, U–Mkomazi, V–Tugela, W–Mfolozi and X–Komati.
Supplementary Fig. 2 Species response curves generated by MAXENT for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Seven Bioclim, topographic and hydrological data (elevation, slope, topographic index and flow accumulation) and anthropogenic disturbance data (agricultural land and human population density) used to project distributions. Bio 3 = Isothermality, Bio 8 = mean temperature of wettest quarter, Bio 12 = annual precipitation, Bio 14 = precipitation of driest month, Bio 15 = precipitation seasonality, Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter, Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary Fig. 3 Species response curves generated by MAXENT for Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu. Six Bioclim, topographic and hydrological data (elevation, slope, topographic index and flow accumulation) and anthropogenic disturbance data (agricultural land and human population density) used to project distributions. Bio3 = Isothermality, Bio 8 = mean temperature of wettest quarter, Bio 10 = mean temperature of warmest quarter, Bio 15 = precipitation seasonality, Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter and Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary Fig. 4 Species response curves generated by MAXENT for Spotted Bass Micropterus punctulatus. Seven Bioclim, topographic and hydrological data (elevation, slope, topographic index and flow accumulation) and anthropogenic disturbance data (agricultural land and human population density) used to project distributions. Bio 1 = annual mean temperature, Bio 4 = temperature seasonality, Bio 7 = temperature annual range, Bio 9 = mean temperature of driest quarter, Bio 14 = precipitation of driest month, Bio 18 = precipitation of warmest quarter, Bio 19 = precipitation of coldest quarter.
Supplementary material 9

Keywords

Aquatic invasive species, Fish distribution databases, Invasion debt, Micropterus, Black Bass

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Khosa, D., Marr, S.M., Wasserman, R.J. et al. An evaluation of the current extent and potential spread of Black Bass invasions in South Africa. Biological Invasions (2019) 21: 1721-1736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-01930-0.