How is historical range for fishes determined?

Authors: Doug Duncan, Ross Timmons

Year: 2017 (xlix)

Abstract

Determining the historical range for native fishes is important for understanding ecosystem functioning on a broad scale, determining how ecosystems and species have changed in the Anthropocene, and is vitally important when considering conservation actions Comparing the current range of a species to its historical range is a major consideration when considering if conservation actions should be taken for the species and is especially important when considering if a species will be listed under the US Endangered Species Act The long-disbanded Desert Fishes Recovery Team, before it was unceremoniously terminated, and specifically team leader W L Minckley, discussed how historical range was viewed for at least the native fishes under the purview of the Recovery Team I’m sure Dr Minckley and other Recovery Team members applied that view of how historical range was determined to other native fishes Basically, the view was that historical range should be considered extensively, and should not be limited to known collection localities, or even only streams with collections The concept will be discussed as to how it has been applied to the conservation of native fishes in Arizona, and how it has also created some conflicts with the conservation of native non-fish aquatic species