Status, distribution, and evaluation of headwater chub in Arizona

Authors: Andrew S. Makinster

Year: 2012 (xliv)

Abstract

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) recently developed a Conservation and Mitigation Program (CAMP) to off-set possible effects of the stocking program in regards to native fish. As part of this program, informational needs were identified in regards to the current status of headwater chub (Gila nigra; GINI) in 16 streams located throughout the state. Previous research on several of the streams was limited both spatially and temporally. Our research aimed to update these informational needs in the aforementioned streams. Status designations developed by Voeltz (2002; Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 186. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona, 228p.) were used to evaluate stream-specific GINI populations. A variety of gear types were used to sample these remote streams beginning in the summer of 2011 and lasting through 2012. Of the 16 streams sampled, we consider 12 to be stable-threatened, 2 to be unknown, and 1 to be unstable-threatened, with 1 stream yet to be sampled in 2013.