7715

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7715
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, C. R. F. R. T.
• Title: Bonytail Chub Recovery Plan.
• USFW Year: 1990.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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3. Resolve taxonomic problems in Colorado River Basin Gila.

The taxonomic status of the bony tail chub has been questioned, largely due
to the lack of definition of ontogenetic and intra- and interspecific
morphological variation, plus possible hybridization among bony tail chub
and other Colorado River Basin Gila. Morphological studies to date have
failed to satisfactorily resolve these issues. Detailed studies on
specimens collected throughout the Colorado River basin, utilizing various
approaches, are needed to: (I) determine the key characteristics that
separate roundtail, humpback, and bony tail chub and develop definitive
criteria for identifying species and hybrids; and (2) identify recent
changes, if any, in the genetic and/or morphological characteristics of
the Gila complex and relate these changes to any environmental
perturbations. Verification of taxanomic status is essential to
determining the potential for species extinction and for guiding recovery
effects, therefore this task is a Priority 1 action.

4. Promote and encouraqe improved communication and information
dissemination. .

Inter- and intra-agency communications, the sharing of information, and
the education of the public about the goals, objectives, methods, and
benefits of the recovery program are essential for a successful program.

41. Develop an information and education proqram to inform the public of
the bony tail chub's status and uniQueness.

Support by the public will be necessary for a successful recovery
effort. Therefore, an information and education program to inform
the public must be developed by Federal and State conservation
agencies. The information and education materials will be developed
in formats that are appropriate for the target audiences. This may
take the form of leaflets, newspaper and magazine articles,
television presentations, or other similar media. The audiences will
include cooperating agencies, interested organizations, and the
general public. Environmental groups and the news media will be
encouraged to participate in the dissemination of information.

42. Encouraqe and support publication of research and other recovery
results in the technical literature.

All participating agencies and their contractors should encourage
publication of research findings in technical literature. These
agencies should provide support by funding printing or other
necessary logistical support.

43. Develop and conduct workshops to coordinate recovery efforts.

Agencies should encourage communication among their professional and
managerial staffs to accelerate recovery efforts. Such communication
should include coordination responsibilities for implementation of
the bony tail chub recovery program and conducting workshops for the
exchange of information on recovery progress to keep staffs aware of
state-of-the-art methods, progress, and new initiatives.

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