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1 <br />' LIMITING FACTORS <br />General: <br />' The study of limiting factors is difficult because of complex <br /> relationships between the environmental and biological parameters limiting <br />' distribution and abundance of organisms. A "limiting factor" is simply one <br />' component of a multidimensional system. Thus, single factor studies (e.g., <br /> determination of temperature threshold for successful spawn) s:~ould not be <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br />evaluated in isolation, but from a holistic perspective. We stress the need <br />for system-level cognizance and interpretation when addressing limiting <br />factors. <br />Studies of factors limiting the distribution and ai~undance of fishes in <br />the Yampa River. are complicated by the variable nature of the environment <br />(including the biota), and logistic problems associated with studying <br />organisms in large turbid rivers. Evaluating limiting factors for rare and <br />endangered fishes is further complicated because there is limited information <br />regarding life cycles and habitat needs. <br />The following section discusses some factors potentially limiting the <br />distribution and abundance of rare and endangered fishes in the Yampa River. <br />These factors are summarized by species and sensitive river reach in Table 6. <br />We have emphasized habitat needs of Colorado squawfish because this species <br />has been the target of recent studies and more life history information is <br />available, than that for humpback and bonytail chubs, and razorback sucker. <br />However, we do not suggest that protection for one species will adequately <br />protect all, because each species is an unique entity, exhibiting different <br />requirements for survival. <br />30 <br /> <br />