6043 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

69 Moapa coriacea. The Moapa dace has recieved special attention in the last few months from the FWS, as critical habitat is being reviewed for purchase. Surveys of the area continue to show that the Moapa dace is declining throughout its range and has been extirpated from several known localities. Recent bioassays from Blue Point Springs indicates that this habitat is unfit as a potential refugium site. Immediate action is essential if we hope to preserve this unique desert minnow. Crenichthys baileyi. The White River springfish is continuing to hold out against high populations of exotics throughout the White River drainage. In a recent evaluation of its habitats, cichlids, mollies and mosquito fish, as well as carp and bass, were observed in most areas. Only at Hot Creek did we fail to observe any exotics. The populations at Ash and Crystal Springs were not very abundant as of July, 1978. Continual habitat modifications are also increasing with spring flows being channelized and increased agricultural and domestic demands being placed on water resources. Crenichthys nevadae. Railroad Valley was visited recently, and populations were abundant in Locks Ranch Spring, Reynolds 1 and 2, Coral, North and Big Springs. No exotics or habitat modifications were observed, but oil developments are continuing in the valley. A major increase or prolonged pumping could cause a drop in the valley water table, threatening the extinction of this species. The populations at Duckwater are numerous, though the water levels had dropped over a foot from July to October with the immediate cause being a pump that was supplying water to local road construction water trucks. Gila robusta 'ordani. The Pahranagat roundtail is still known only to occur from the confluence of Ash and Crystal Springs to the south boundary of Burns Ranch. Exotic fishes and channelization of spring flows were primary threats for this species until recently. Pahranagat Valley is now experiencing a tremendous population boom as operations at the nearby Tempiute mine have been expanded and the Ramada Inn is considering Ash Springs as a potential site for development. Population surveys to determine the current numbers of roundtail will be conducted in the upcoming year. Gila bicolor. The status of the Tui chub populations of the Interbasin at the time are not completely known. The G. b. euchulia from Fish Creek Valley could only be found in one small spring head pool. Adjacent habitats produced only trout. This appeared to be a recent introduction as large numbers of the trout were dead along the habitat margins. The last known chub habitat in Diamond Valley failed to produce any chubs. They were known to be present in the Fall of 1977• A comprehensive survey of this valley is scheduled for the coming spring. G. b. newarkensis (Newark Valley chub) has been discovered by a recent survey to exist in at least 9 (nine) new localities throughout the valley; yet, ironically, it has been extirpated from its original three habitats as described by Hubbs and Miller.