7106

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7106
• Author: Ferriole, S.
• Title: Wildlife Resource Information System
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Colorado Squawfish Mapping Criteria for the Colorado, Dolores, Gunnison, Green, White, and Yampa Rivers.
• Copyright Material: NO

INTRODUCTION
z
1 This effort to map habitats of Colorado squawfish
(Ptychocheilus Lucius) is part of the Colorado Division of
Wildlife's(CD~W} Wildlife Resource Information System (WRIS). WRIS
~. provides a narrative literature review, and optional computer stored
Geographic Information System (GIS) data that graphically describe
habitat use by an animal species. This paper presents information
on Colorado squawfish life history and habitat use information, and
recommends mapping criteria. This is one in a series of four WRIS
components for endangered fishes of the Colorado River Basin.
WRIS is CDOW's response to two State laws that protect and
conserve wildlife. The Colorado Nongame and Endangered Species Act
requires CDOW to protect endangered species, including Colorado
squawfish (Torres et al. 1978). .The Colorado Land Use Bill, HB 1041
of 1974, additionally requires CDOW to provide technical help to
county governments who wish to identify and manage growth related
impacts upon Wildlife (Schrupp 1983}.
The Colorado squawfish is a rare cyprinid fish that is endemic
to the Colorado River Basin (Behnke and Benson 1983). it is the
largest minnow native to North America (Jordan and Bverman 1896). A
recent specimen from the Colorado River was 89,6 mm long (3 ft) and
weighed 5.8 kg (12.7 lbs} (L. Aaeding, USFWS; -pers. comm.).
The species was originally distributed throughout most of the
Colorado River and its larger tributaries (Seethaler 1978).- Wild
populutior,s exist Coda; only in the U~:per Basin, an area that
2