Recovery of Moapa dace, Moapa coriacea, in southern Nevada

Authors: Lee H. Simons, Kevin Guadalupe, David J. Syzdek, Amy LaVoie, Gayton G. Scoppettone

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

The Moapa dace, Moapa coriacea, has received much conservation support since it was recognized as endangered nearly 50 years ago. Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was in 1979 the first National Wildlife Refuge established to protect a listed fish. Warm Springs Natural Area was acquired in 2007 to benefit native species and recovery of Moapa dace. These property investments and a long history of biological monitoring linked to restoration actions, ecological research, and Endangered Species Act consultations create a strong foundation for recovery. Despite a dramatic collapse in numbers from 1994 to 1997, and a smaller decline from 2007 to 2008, the Moapa dace population has increased consistently from a historic low of 459 estimated fish in 2008 to 17 year high of 2,248 estimated fish in 2014. Sustained restoration in recent years led to this population growth. Recent eradication of tilapia from the Warm Springs area sets the stage for even more dramatic recovery by Moapa dace and the Muddy River ecosystem in the near future. Recent and future recovery progress depends upon a focused, dedicated, and inclusive recovery program comprised of many partners that bring diverse perspectives and resources to the recovery planning process. These partners include federal, tribal, state, and local jurisdictions, several public utilities, The Nature Conservancy, academics at several universities, and religious and private landowners. This partnership demands effective collaboration and provides robust conservation outcomes.

Resumen

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