Desert Fishes Research and Management in Texas During 2013

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

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

While of much of Texas continues to experience a severe drought, affecting many of the desert species, a number of conservation and management efforts have been undertaken during the past year. Population estimates have been published for the Comanche Springs Pupfish, Cyprinodon elegans, and for the Pecos Gambusia, Gambusia nobilis, inhabiting Phantom Lake Springs, part of the Balmorhea springs system of west Texas. In addition, six new invertebrates have been listed from this area. Reintroduction efforts continue in the Big Bend region for the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, Hybognathus amarus, and a study on the distribution and habitats of the Mexican Stoneroller, Campostoma ornatum, and Chihuahua Shiner, Notropis chihuahua, in this region has recently been concluded. A cooperative agreement for the conservation of the Pecos Pupfish, Cyprinodon pecosensis, should be signed shortly between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the states of Texas and New Mexico and several other federal and state agencies.