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12 <br />on these subspecies to determine the need of listing for their protection. <br />Relictus solitarius: Relict (Steptoe) Dace <br />This animal is the only native fish species in the entire region composed <br />of Butte, Goshute, Ruby and Steptoe Valleys. The species as a whole has experi- <br />enced reduction in localities through most of its range over the past several <br />years as a result of both exotic fish introductions and habitat alterations. <br />The distribution of dace in Butte Valley was checked in the fall of 1979, with <br />the apparent loss of two populations at Stratton Ranch and Wrights Springs. <br />The springs at the former locality were modified into three large stock ponds, <br />and the outflows were heavily utilized by cattle. Wrights Springs have lost <br />most of their discharge, with many of the old channels now being dry. The <br />remaining outflows were heavily polluted by cattle, and collections for many <br />miles produced no speciments. The other locations within Butte Valley con- <br />tained fair numbers of dace, although the habitats continue to be modified. <br />The Goshute Valley population at Twin Springs is in good condition, <br />although heavily impacted by cattle. The springs on the Johnson Ranch in the <br />northern extremities of the valley were not surveyed, as the owner would not <br />permit sampling. <br />The Ruby Valley populations have been the most seriously impacted, with <br />dramatic losses in both numbers and localities. Once the only species in all <br />the expanse of the marsh and associated springs, they have been extirpated <br />from all but a few isolated spring systems. Efforts should be made to pro- <br />tect these sites, as the Ruby Valley form of the dace is very different from <br />those in the other valleys. <br />The Steptoe Valley populations have also been highly impacted by exotic <br />species and habitat alterations. The Dairy Springs location is represented by <br />a single specimen collected in the fall of 1979• Specimens were not found at <br />four known locations in recent field collections. Local personnel of the <br />Nevada Department of Wildlife examined the Grass Springs locality in 1977-78 <br />and found only 5 springs out of 25 that still contained dace. I found none <br />in the fall of 1979. The Spring Valley populations are considered to be <br />introduced, and those localities collected all had healthy populations. <br />In summary, this species is experiencing widespread loss of both popula- <br />tions and habitat and stands to be heavily impacted by the proposed MX missile <br />system. Life history studies should be undertaken as soon as possible to <br />establish background information for this animal. In view of the current <br />status of this animal and its habitat, it should be listed as threatened or <br />of special concern. <br />Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus: Independence Valley Speckled Dace <br />The subspecies is confined to the single fish-inhabited system in Warm <br />Springs in this Valley. This system, as indicated for Gila bicolor isolata, <br />has been heavily impacted by exotic fish and habitat modifications. The <br />current status of this species is unknown at this time, and habitat surveys <br />as well as life history studies should be initiated.