2008 Nevada Area Report

Authors: Eric S. Miskow, Shawn C. Goodchild, Brian M. Hobbs, Jon C. Sjoberg, Dave Potter, Jeff Petersen

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

Overview and status of Nevada’s desert fishes, rare amphibians; current research and management projects in the state. Brief updates on the population status and management of key Nevada native aquatic animals are presented. Restoration and refuge construction continued at Ash Meadows for a variety of endemic species, including two major rotenone projects. Ongoing habitat modifications and restoration projects in the Muddy River Warm Springs complex continue to increase suitable habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, Moapa coriacea; however, the most recent population surveys have shown a precipitous decline in numbers. A major investigation into demographics and habitat use by the endangered Big Springs spinedace, Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis, in Condor Canyon is ongoing, and habitat enhancement has been planned for the Pahrump poolfish, Empetrichthys latos , at Shoshone ponds. A five year review on the status of the endangered Independence Valley speckled dace, Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus, has just been completed, along with more recent information on the Independence Valley tui chub, Siphateles bicolor isolata, which co-occur in Elko County, Nevada. Survey data on the Amargosa toad Anaxyrus nelsoni and the Columbia spotted frog Rana luteiventris are summarized. In addition to species updates, restoration efforts that enhance habitats for the Wall Canyon sucker, Catostomus sp. and the Railroad Valley springfish, Crenichthys nevadae are discussed.