Current status and management of Sonora Chub in Arizona

Authors: Alex Cameron, Brian Hickerson

Year: 2024

Abstract

Sonora Chub (Gila ditaenia) is a small-bodied species of Gila endemic to the Rio de la Concepcion of Sonora, Mexico and extreme southern Arizona. Sonora Chub is a federally protected species in the U.S. in part due to their restricted geographic distribution, as the species is found in two headwater streams of the Rio Magdalena watershed in Santa Cruz Co., AZ. Despite receiving federal protection, a finalized monitoring plan is currently not in place. The Arizona Game and Fish Department begun conducting surveys within Sycamore Canyon on annual basis starting in 2022 that include collecting basic information regarding size-class distribution and measures of relative abundance. Here we present results from population monitoring and other management activities conducted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department from 2022-2024. Surveys have consistently documented the presence of multiple size-classes, suggesting the population is comprised of multiple age-classes and there continues to be spawning and recruitment within Sycamore Canyon. Measures of relative abundance fluctuated across annual surveys seemingly in relation to water availability at the time of sampling. Finally, we highlight some of the challenges presented by this system and highlight future work for Sonora Chub.