WSP03513

• File Number: 8220.101.10.E
• Description: Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powell
• State: AZ
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1998
• Author: Stevens/Lawrence E.
• Title: Recent Developments In Kanab Ambersnail Research and Management
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN KANAB AMBERSNAIL
RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT

Lawrence E. Stevens

Research and monitoring of endangered Kanab ambersnail (KAS; Oxyloma haydeni
kanabensis) since 1996 has produced much new information. Several lines of research
and monitoring have been pursued, as indicated below.

1) KAS monitoring at Vaseys Paradise (VP), Grand Canyon (Y. Meretsky): Dr.
Meretsky has monitored KAS at VP seasonally in 1998, beginning in March. This
GCMRC contract generates information which will be used to predict the impacts of a
1999 planned flood on KAS host plant habitat and the population. She is also analyzing
potential deer mouse predation on KAS. She and 1. Stevens have been monitoring
Niobrara ambersnail (NAS; O.h. haydeni) at Indian Gardens in Grand Canyon, and in
1999 she proposes to monitor the NAS population at -9L Spring through a project funded
by Reclamation in Salt Lake City.

2) Discovery of new KAS populations in Kanab Canyon near Kanab, UT (Y.
Meretsky): Dr. Meretsky discovered a previously unknown metapopulation of Oxyloma
consisting of at least 9 subpopulations in Kanab Canyon near Kanab, UT in August 1998.
The type locality for KAS("the Greens") in Kanab Creek was apparently eliminated by
groWldwater withdrawal. Therefore, the genetic identity of the type KAS population may
have been lost; however, the new subpopulation sites bracket the type locality. Dr. S.K.
Wu of the University of Colorado has concluded that the new populations are KAS; and
M. Miller and P. Keirn analysis of mitochondrial DNA demonstrate no genetic variation
among these populations. Although additional genetic research is warranted, it appears
that at least 3 populations of ambersnails morphologically identified as being KAS
presently exist. The KAS recovery plan calls for at least 10 self-sustaining populations
before the taxon can be downlisted.

3) KAS second population establishment (Arizona Game and Fish Department and
the National Park Service): AGFD and NPS have engaged in a fast-track program to
establish new secondary populations of KAS at three Grand Canyon springs. Three
populations were established in apparently suitable, of-river habitat in Grand Canyon in
the fall of 1998, in accord with NEPA (an NPS EA with a FONSl) and the 12-step State
plan for population restoration. Monitoring has been initiated, but the defInition of
successful establishment has yet to be defmed.

4) KAS refuge population at the Phoenix Zoo (M. Demlong): The Phoenix Zoo,
AGFD and Reclamation have partnered using CUP funds to allow the Phoenix Zoo to
attempt to raise captive KAS populations. At present, 3 populations have been
introduced at: Keyhole Spring (Mile 47.SR), Royal Arch Creek (Mile 116L), and Lower
Deer Creek Spring (Mile 136R). Holding tanks (terraria) have been constructed and
habitat has been established, failed once, and reestablished. KAS from VP are to be
placed in the tanks in the near future.

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