The status of Zuni bluehead sucker: Are our efforts working?

Authors: Stephanie M. Carman, Nelson Luna

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

Zuni bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus yarrowi is currently restricted to headwater habitats, totaling less than 5 km, of the Zuni River in west-central New Mexico. Primary threats include predation and competition from nonnative fishes and crayfishes, loss of habitat because of water and land development, and diminished genetic diversity. Drought has also reduced habitat and consequently abundance and distribution of Zuni bluehead sucker. Tribal, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, and non-profit organizations are utilizing a variety of conservation methods to decrease these threats and improve populations and habitats. Current activities include establishing refuge populations, assessing genetic variability, removing nonnative species, and influencing local land-use decisions. Despite considerable effort, conservation activities have failed to secure the species: population data continues to decline and it is arguably more imperiled today than it was 15 years ago. Conservation of Zuni bluehead sucker will require protection of water sources of the Zuni River watershed, its restoration to historical range, elimination of invasive species, and heightened awareness of threats and commitment to appropriate corrective actions by agencies and individuals.