Niche overlap by invasion of Oncorhynchus mykiss on the habitat of its amphibian prey in central Mexico

The introduction of exotic species is one of the main leading factors in the decline and extinction of amphibian populations worldwide. Reductions in the abundance and local extinctions of amphibians due to the introduction of exotic fishes in rivers or lakes have been reported worldwide. To help prevent further extinctions, studies are needed in order to make appropriate conservation decisions. In the present study, environmental niche modeling (ENM) was used to identify the environmental niche overlap and land-use and vegetation cover variables that favor the presence of the invasive species Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and its amphibian prey, including the Mountain stream salamander (Ambystoma altamirani), Mountain tree frog (Dryophytes eximius), and Ridged tree frog (Dryophytes plicatus) in central Mexico. We found that the potential distributions and environmental niches of O. mykiss and its amphibian prey are similar, which may affect the amphibian populations in several ways, including the displacement of these species from their distribution area in the long term. The information generated in this study is critical for proposing better conservation strategies for these amphibian species as well as management solutions for the invasive O. mykiss hatcheries.