Assessing the freshwater distribution of yellow eel

Emilien Lasne (1) , Pascal Laffaille (1, 2)

1 Biodiversité fonctionnelle et gestion des territoires
2 ESE - Écologie et santé des écosystèmes

In the global context of the decline in wild species, modeling the distribution of populations is a crucial aspect of ecological management. This can be a major challenge, especially for species, such as the European eel, that have complex life cycles, exhibit cryptic behavior, or migrate over long distances. A review of the literature suggests that eel size data could be used to assess and analyze freshwater distribution of eel. We argue that analyses based on small yellow eels (≤ 300 mm) along the longitudinal course of rivers could provide a valuable tool for population monitoring. We propose a standardized catchment recruitment index and a colonization index based on the probability of occurrence (presence/absence data) using logistic models for different size classes. The model developed here provides a convenient guide for assessing yellow eel stages in freshwater areas, and should have concrete applications for management of the species.

Mots clés: Population management; Logistic model; Size classes; Colonization; Anguilla anguilla

Domaines: Ecologie, Environnement; Ecosystèmes

Emilien Lasne, Pascal Laffaille. Assessing the freshwater distribution of yellow eel. Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, 2009, 390-391 (390-91), ⟨10.1051/kmae/2009004⟩. ⟨hal-00744162⟩