Desert fishes research and management in Texas during 2008

Authors: Gary P. Garrett, Nathan L. Allan, Robert J. Edwards

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

The critical habitat final rule for Devils River minnow, Dionda diaboli, was published on 12 August 2008. It will only apply to a portion of the range (San Felipe and Pinto creeks) which will allow continued partnerships for conservation in the Devils River. A very rainy 2007 seems to have enhanced populations in the Devils River and Pinto Creek. The San Felipe Creek population continues to be detrimentally impacted by the introduced suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus sp. Reestablishment plans for Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus, in the Big Bend region are under way with an initial stocking scheduled for late 2008-early 2009. The Big Bend gambusia, Gambusia gaigei, population is stable at present. The National Park Service is maintaining the refuge by clearing some of the cattails and providing enhanced habitat diversity. A new refuge pond with a different spring source is ready for stocking from the refuge population and all will be monitored twice per year. The Clear Creek gambusia, Gambusia heterochir, population seems stable and a plan to establish a captive population at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery is being developed. Population status of Leon Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus, is stable. Habitat modification at Diamond Y Spring seems to be working and there are now more territorial male pupfish and less interference from Gambusia. A new ciénega is being planned for Comanche Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon elegans, at Balmorhea State Park and progress continues on the new ciénega at Fort Stockton.