By LAURA PERRETT
Yellowstone National Park is struggling to preserve its native fish species -- the westslope cutthroat trout and the fluvial grayling.
'There is a big problem with lake trout in Yellowstone Lake,' said Jack McIntyre, projects leader for the aquatic resource program.
Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and other exotic species inhabit the Missouri River Basin and the native fish have to compete with these species for food, and many do not survive, he said. Another problem with the exotic species is that they breed with native fish, eliminating the chances for species preservation.
The native species, if preserved, are in an environment especially suited for them.
'The fish that are here in the park have adapted to the high elevation and wintertime conditions,' said Dan Mahoney, fisheries biologist. The fish have also adapted to particular insects in the stream and different birds.
Besides providing a special environment for native fish, Yellowstone is home to many animals that rely on the native fish for food.
'If we're not successful in keeping the cutthroat population strong, then there will be a problem with any animals who depend on the fish for food.'
Mahoney said grizzly bears, bald eagles and pelicans can eat the adult cutthroat trout when they are in the streams. 'A lot of animals depend on the fish,' he said.
Many feel, however, that even if the Yellowstone animals turned to other food sources, there would still be reason to preserve the native fish.
'In my view, it is worth it to preserve native fish species to preserve the diversity of critters we got in this country,' McIntyre said.