7406

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7406
• Author: Bestgen, K. R.
• Title: Status Review of the Razorback Sucker,
• USFW Year: 1990.
• Copyright Material: NO

I
funded through the RIP process to provide information necessary
to achieve the goals of the program.
This status review provides a comprehensive compilation of
information throughout the range of the species that may be
useful for more effective management of razorback suckers.
Although this report provides a biological summary and basis for
a management or recovery plan, several unanswered questions
remain such as: 1) implications of proposed federal listing of
the razorback sucker as endangered; 2) mechanisms and procedures
for implementing recovery actions in both the Upper and Lower
Colorado River basins; and 3) long-term management and recovery
goals. Treatment of non-technical or non-biological issues are
beyond the scope of this project.
The objectives of this report are to: 1) document the
historic and present status of the razorback sucker;
2) summarize available life history information for the species;
3) assemble information on potential causes for decline of the
razorback sucker throughout its range; and 4) outline present
research and management efforts directed at recovery of the
razorback sucker. Recommendations are also given for future
research and management activities that may expedite recovery of
the razorback sucker. These recommendations were developed
through fulfilling the aforementioned report objectives, from
discussions with the Colorado River Endangered Fishes Recovery
Team, and from comments received on numerous draft report
reviews.
3