8150

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8150
• Author: Wydoski, R. S.
• Title: Realistic Management of Endangered Species--An Overview.
• USFW Year: 1977.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

angling potential to meet future demands for this sport. Numerous species
of wildlife, that have become extremely low in number, have successfully
recovered through proper management so that they provide sport today (Wild-
life Management Institute, 1974). Threatened and endangered species can
similarly be re-established through effective management.
These ideas have practical and realistic considerations for fishery
management in the future if participation in fishing continues--and there
is no reason to believe that the trend will not continue.
In addition to the possibilities for sport, native fish are probably
better adapted for survival in their native range than exotic species and
could provide forage for game fish or be used in biological control of
noxious insects such as mosquitos (Pendleton and Smart, 1954; Minckley,
1965). The least chub (Iotichth s hle ethontis), for example, is known to
feed readily on mosquito larvae (Pendleton an Smart, 1954) and can survive
colder temperatures better than mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis (Sigler and
Miller, 1963). Although the least chub is not-'listed by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, its former distribution appears to have decreased greatly
and it is now protected under Utah State proclamation for aquatic life.
CONCLUSIONS
This discussion of federal legislation, moral obligation, the rationale
and philosophy for the management of threatened and endangered species, and
some practical or realistic approaches to the management of such species, is
not entirely new, but I have attempted to summarize and place into perspec-
tive the beliefs of many biologists regarding this problem.
The public, as well as voluntary associations, have been involved and
will become more involved in the future in policy decisions and administra-
tion for managing nongame species. Management agencies will need to use
effective public relations to educate the public and guide them in a direc-
tion so that they can influence decisions for the proper management of all
natural resources.
Although a number of species have become rare because of over-exploita-
tion and elimination as competitors with game species, most species have
become rare because of destruction and alteration of their habitats. Sound
management of ecosystems will benefit game as well as nongame species and
should be considered in comprehensive land use or river basin planning.
Some ideas for the propagation, program funding, establishment of
research and management priorities, and the potential to use threatened and
endangered species in fishery management are summarized, that are realistic
for the preservation of the species. Establishing research and management
priorities that are realistic within the constraints of knowledge, time,
politics, and available funds is imperative because the number of species,
that are already officially listed as endangered or suggested for listing,
is large.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is a benefit to society not only
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