Desert fishes research and management in Texas during 2009

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

Year: 2009 (xli)

Abstract

A new ci&enega has been created on Balmorhea State Park to replace an old refuge canal for Comanche Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon elegans, Pecos gambusia, Gambusia nobilis, and endemic invertebrates. The new ci&enega will provide a more stable habitat for the aquatic species community. An intense monitoring study of the system is underway that includes analyzing energy dynamics. A habitat restoration project was completed in Salt Creek, Texas, to restore the natural hydrology to a stream side marsh that provides habitat for the Pecos pupfish, Cyprinodon pecosensis. The construction project used funds from the World Wildlife Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and intense coordination with private landowners was provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. More than 400,000 Rio Grande silvery minnows, Hybognathus amarus, were released into the Big Bend region of the Rio Grande in December 2008 and additional fish were stocked in October 2009. This represents the first time the fish has been in Texas in some 50 years. Monitoring began in the spring of 2009 and immediately several individuals were collected. Additional stocking and regular monitoring are planned to continue for at least the next four years. A new research project has begun to evaluate the relationship of streamflow rates and available habitat for the threatened Devils River minnow, Dionda diaboli. Study efforts will focus on Pinto Creek, where the species habitat is limited by seasonal intermittent flows and the streams are threatened by plans for large-scale groundwater withdrawal and exportation.