The conservation status of Nevada’s native fishes: assessing risk & quantifying conservation threats

Authors: Zachary Bess, Sudeep Chandra, Zeb Hogan, Aaron Koning

Year: 2023

Abstract

Nevada is the most arid state and hosts 45 extant native fish species. Ten of these species occur only in Nevada, confined to relatively small regions in the state. Despite the importance of these populations, a comprehensive evaluation of Nevada’s native fishes has not been completed, and many of the populations remain relatively unstudied. For each of Nevada’s 45 extant native fishes, we compiled existing data into detailed species profiles and then quantified the conservation statuses of these 45 species using a qualitative protocol previously used for quantifying the status of California native fish species. The qualitative protocol considered the effects of genetic risk, climate change, agriculture, feral horses and burros, cattle and livestock grazing, urban and rural development, angling and other recreation, hatchery stocking, mining and pollution, wildfire, and other potential threats. We compared score differences between game and non-game fishes, differences between taxonomic families, and differences between the state’s three main basins (the Great Basin, Snake Basin, and Colorado Basin). Additionally, we compared these scores to existing assessments that were performed using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This assessment of Nevada’s native fish diversity can inform the decision making of conservationists and agencies working to manage these populations against current and future threats.