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Introduction <br />This booklet, "Endemic Fishes of the Colorado River System . .. a Status Report," <br />is much more than a list of fishes. It represents the cooperation and efforts of seven states with <br />a common interest, demonstrating that fish and game departments can work together across <br />geographic boundaries to accomplish a goal. <br />The work of compiling the list of endemic species and describing their status was <br />undertaken by fishery biologists of the Endemic Species Committees at the encouragement <br />of the Colorado River Wildlife Council. <br />One result thus far has been an increased effort on the part of the states to prevent the <br />extinction of those species recognized as endangered. <br />The purpose of this booklet is educational; it is intended to make the reader aware of the <br />status of endemic species which have been affected by the construction of dams, the <br />channelization of vast stretches of the river and the introduction and dominance of exotic <br />species. <br />Endemic or native species are valuable as environmental indicators. The status of a given <br />species within its native range can be correlated with the status of the environment in which it <br />lives. As a population becomes depleted or endangered, a corresponding statement can be <br />made about its environment. <br />Hopefully this list and status report will prove a useful reference and encourage new <br />interest and study of this part of our natural heritage, the endemic fishes of the Colorado River <br />system.