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1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />i <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />i <br />1 <br />using existing diet data. Clearly, refinements can be added with improved field data to include <br />effects of seasonality, habitat segregation, predator size, and predator abundance into the model. <br />The refinements would allow us to identify and quantify critical predation periods and locations <br />that are imposed on different squawfish cohorts by northern pike. Similar approach could be used <br />to evaluate the importance of other predators as well. <br />Interaction of modeling with field studies offers important advantages for research on <br />communities containing threatened and endangered species, because it is less invasive than <br />conventional approaches (field predation experiments, field ration estimation, etc.) which require <br />acquisition and sacrifice of rare organisms. Acquisition and handling of sensitive or rare species <br />is legally and logistically difficult. Predation rates can be predicted under different environmental <br />or ecological scenarios. Results of the simulations then provide justification and focus for <br />subsequent research and management. <br />17 <br />