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Page 38 • species is prevalent (Anderson and Stewart 2000, Bestgen and Crist 2000, Holden and Crist 1981, Holden and Stalnaker 1975). Northeastern Region Flannelmouth sucker are considered to be abundant in the White and Yampa rivers, present in the Duchesne River, and common in the mainstem Green River (Bezzerides and Bestgen 2002). The range of the flannelmouth sucker in the northeastern region is most similar to that of the ~ bluehead sucker. Flannelmouth sucker are still found in many areas in the Duchesne River, Strawberry River above Starvation Reservoir (though not as far upstream as bluehead sucker), and the White River. Threats posed to the flannelmouth sucker are similar to those of the other two species: diversions, non-native species, and oil exploration and its impacts to water quality. Flannelmouth sucker may be better able to located adequate habitat though as they can be highly . migratory (Bezzerides and Bestgen 2002) and therefore may be better at dealing with these threats than the other two species. Detailed information regarding the historical and current status of flannelmouth sucker and associated threats is found in Table 2-8. Southeastern Region Bezzerides and Bestgen (2002) noted flannelmouth sucker as abundant in the San Rafael, San Juan, and Price rivers and common in the Colorado, Dirty Devil, and Dolores rivers and Muddy Creek. Flannelmouth sucker are also occasionally observed in Lake Powell and is the only native fish species regularly observed there (Q. Bradwisch, Wahweap hatchery manager, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, personal communication 2005). Recent surveys suggest that they still do ~ well in these drainages, though distribution is reduced from historical accounts. This is especially true in the Muddy Creek drainage and portions of the Price and San Rafael river drainages. Similar to the Northeastern Region, flannelmouth sucker appear to be better at adapting to threats imposed by non-native species. And though they appear to be able to adapt better to de-watering, habitat for this species and the opportunity for metapopulation dynamics is greatly reduced by de-watered stream sections and larger diversions. Possibly the greatest threat to the flannelmouth sucker at this point is the ability to hybridize with the white sucker, which has the potential to reduce the genetic integrity of the species and the ability for managers to adequately conserve the species. Detailed information regarding the historical and current status of flannelmouth sucker and associated threats is found in Table 2-9. ~ Southern Region Flannelmouth sucker are present in the Escalante, Fremont, Paria, and Virgin rivers (Bezzerides and Bestgen 2002), though their current status in the Paria River is unknown. Their status is variable throughout the Virgin River system, but is protected by actions implemented by the Virgin River ~ Recovery Implementation Program, including management of diversions to benefit native species. Threats are limited in many of the drainages in the southern region, including the Virgin River, which is more developed than the other drainages in the region. Detailed information regarding the historical and current status of flannelmouth sucker and associated threats is found in Table 2-10. r