Long‐term changes in the diet of pike (Esox lucius), the top aquatic predator in a changing Windermere

摘要: 1. Pike (Esox lucius) is a key and flexible piscivore in many fresh waters of the northern temperate zone, but no previous studies have provided continuous long-term perspective on its diet response to changing environmental conditions. Here, we describe winter from 1976 2009 North South Basins lake Windermere, U.K., where climate change, eutrophication species introductions combined induce fundamental changes fish community. 2. A total 6637 adult pike (fork length 390 1090 mm) was examined found consumed 4436 prey which 98% individuals identifiable comprised native Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), brown trout (Salmo trutta), perch (Perca fluviatilis) non-native roach (Rutilus rutilus). Over 34-year study period, dietary importance salmonids decreased, while that percid perch, esocid particularly cyprinid increased. These were marked more eutrophicated Basin lake. 3. The above chronological trends species-specific contributions composition had considerable overall impacts. In 1970s, dominated by together 94% diet. contrast, 2000s, these two accounted for just 55% diet, with now comprising 41%. 4. Recent observed Windermere community decrease an increase cyprinids are consistent generally expected effects change temperature zone. shown they led corresponding pike. turn, this may implications lake’s food web structure through shortening chain primary producers top aquatic predator.