7120

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7120
• Author: Colorado River Wildlife Council.
• Title: Recommendations on Prohibited and Threatened Species of the Colorado River Drainage.
• USFW Year: n.d.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

:'.~''':''

.' .d,.. --.

Introduction

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

6

. -,::'-.

:"'" ". ..;l';; 1 ...... ..........:

~,- ~ ~ '.

4\

t
t
t
,