OF THE RIO YAQUI RECOVERY P LAN · This Recovery Plan deals with fourthreatened or endangered taxa,...
Transcript of OF THE RIO YAQUI RECOVERY P LAN · This Recovery Plan deals with fourthreatened or endangered taxa,...
OF THERIO YAQUI
RECOVERYP LAN
1995
YAQUI FISHES
RECOVERYPLAN
Preparedby:
Kevin S. CobbleU.S.FishandWildlife Service
SanBernardinoNationalWildlife Refuge1408 10th Street
Douglas,Arizona85607
for
Region2U.SFishandWildlife ServiceAlbuquerque,New Mexico
Approved:Service
Date:
BEAUTIFUL SHINER
1/
YAQUI CHUB
YAQUI TOPMINNOW
YAQUI CATFISH
-- Prints taken trots Arizona Game and Fish poster, NATIVE FISH OF ARIZONA
MEXICAN STONEROLLER
YAQUT SUCKER
LONGFIN DACE
ROUNDTAIL CHUB
Prints taken from Arizona Game and Fish poster, NATIVE FISH OF ARIZONA
Yaqui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
DISCLAIMER
Recoveryplansdelineatereasonableactionswhich arebelievedto be requiredto recoverand!or protect listed species. Plans are publishedby the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,sometimespreparedwith the assistanceof recoveryteams,contractors,Stateagencies,andothers.Objectiveswill be attainedandany necessaryfundsmadeavailablesubjectto budgetaryand otherconstraintsaffecting the parties involved, as well as the need to addressother priorities.Recoveryplans do not necessarilyrepresentthe views, official positions,or approvalof anyindividuals or agenciesinvolved in theplan formulation,otherthanthe U.S. FishandWildlifeService. Theyrepresenttheofficial positionoftheU.S. Fishand Wildlife Serviceonly aftertheyhavebeensignedby the RegionalDirectoror DirectorasaDproved. Approvedrecoveryplansare subjectto modification as dictatedby new findings, changesin speciesstatus, and thecompletionof recoverytasks.
This revisedrecoveryplan was essentiallycompletedwhenthe Secretaryof Interior’s policyinitiatives regardingpublic participationin recoveryplan preparationand implementationwasannouncedon July 1, 1994. TheNotice ofOpportunityfor PublicReviewandCommentfor thisrevisedrecoveryplanwaspublishedin the FederalRe2isteron June7, 1994. Although therehasbeenconsiderablecommunicationswith the public, expertson the speciesandaffectedagencies,the implementationschedulehasnot beenexpandedto include a participationplan asenvisionedby thenewpolicy initiatives. As implementationcontinues,the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Servicewill work with affectedstakeholdersto ensure recoveryproceedsin a mannerthat minimizesthesocialand economiccoststo the affectedpublicswhile recoveryis achieved. Futurerevisionswill incorporatea participationplan.
Literaturecitationsshould readasfollows:
U.S. FishandWildlife Service. 1994. Yaqui FishesRecoveryPlan. USD1 Fish andWildlifeService,Albuquerque,New Mexico. 48 pp.
Additional copiesmay be purchasedfrom:
Fish and Wildlife ReferenceService:5430 GrosvenorLane, Suite 110Bethesda,Maryland 20814
301/492-6403or 1-800-582-3421
The fee for the Planvariesdependingon thenumberof pagesof the Plan.i
Yaqui Fishes RecoveryPlan December1994
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Preparationof the Yaqui fishesrecovery plan benefitedfrom review and commentby the followingmembersof theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Region2 DesertFishesRecoveryTeam:
W. L. Minckley, Arizona StateUniversity, DesertFishesRecoveryTeam LeaderTom Burke, U.S. Bureauof ReclamationDavid Propst,New Mexico Departmentof GameandFishKirk Young, Arizona GameandFish DepartmentJeromeA. Stefferud,U.S. ForestServiceJeff Simms,U.S. Bureauof LandManagementAlejandro Varela-Romero,CentroEcologicode Sonora,Mexico
This recoveryplanhasgonethrough severalrevisionsandhashad a long road to completion. Manypeople have contributedtheir time and expertisetowards improving this plan, expecially Dr. W.L.Minckley. Dr. Minckley’s first-handknowledgeandhistorical perspectiveon the fishesof theRio Yaquihasbeeninvaluableto their conservationand to thecompletionof this recoveryplan. His assistanceonthis plan is greatlyappreciated.
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Yaqui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CurrentStatus: Four Yaqui fish speciesareincludedin this plan,two listedas endangered,the Yaqui chub (Gilapurpurea)(LJSFWS 1984)and Yaqui topminnow (Poeciliopsisoccidentalissonorensis)(USEWS 1967), andtwothreatenedspecies,theYaqui catfish (Ictaluruspricei)(USFWS 1984), andthe beautifulshiner(Cyprinellaformosa)(USFWS1984). All formerlyoccurredthroughouttheRio Yaqui Basinin USA and Mexico. Currentdistributionin Mexico is imperfectly knoim. USA populationsarelimited primarily to the San Bemardino/LeslieCanyonNWRandWest Turkey Creek,CochiseCounty,Arizona. Beautiful shinerandYaqui catfishalso occurredin the MimbresRiver in New Mexico.
Habitat RequirementsandLimiting Factors: In theUnited States,Yaqui fishesareheavily dependenton artesianwells and spring flows on San BernardinoNWR (SBNWR). Three streamsections, Leslie Creek,WestTurkeyCreekandBlack Draw,containYaqul fishes. Waterdevelopmentandpumping of undergroundaquifersconstitutethe greatestthreatto survival of Yaqui fishes,followed closely by introductionof non-nativeorganisms.
RecoveryObjectives: Stabilizeexisting populationsand downlistYaqui chub andYaqui topminnow. ReintroduceYaqui catfishand beautifulshinerinto historic habitats in theUSA andestablishself-sustainingpopulations.
RecoveryCriteria: Althoughpresentin theUS, thesepopulationswill not continueto persistunlessthey aremanagedintensively.Also, populationsand habitatsneedto be stabilizedin Mexico beforedelisting canbe considered.
Action Needed:1. Developco-operativeeffort with Mexico for the recoveryof Yaqui fishes.2. Securehabitatandwater sourcesfor the Yaqui fishesin theUSA andMexico.3. Conductresearchon thebiology andhabitatrequirementsof Yaqui fishes.4. Managethe fish andtheir essentialhabitats.5. Introduceandmaintainself-sustainingpopulationswithin their historic range.6. Monitor existingandestablishedpopulationsandhabitats.
Total EstimatedCostsof Recovery:Costs: (000’s)Year Need 1 Need2 Need3 Need4 Need5 Need6 Total
1995 5.0 50.0 15.0 140.0 1.0 5.0 216.01996 5.0 50.0 15.0 140.0 2.0 5.0 217.01997 5.0 1500.0 10.0 150.0 2.0 6.0 1673.01998 5.0 50.0 10.0 150.0 2.0 6.0 223.01999 5.0 5.0 15.0 160.0 3.0 8.0 196.02000 5.0 5.0 10.0 160.0 3.0 8.0 191.02001 5.0 5.0 10.0 175.0 3.0 10.0 207.02002 5.0 5.0 13.0 175.0 2.0 10.0 210.02003 5.0 5.0 10.0 185.0 2.0 10.0 217.02004 5.0 5.0 13.0 185.0 2.0 10.0 220.0
RecovervCost 50.0 1680.0 121.0 1620.0 22.0 78.0 3570.0
Dateof Recovery: Dowalistingshouldbe initiated 10 years following the approvalof this plan if recoverycriteriaaremet.
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Yaqui Fishes RecoveryPlan December1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
DISCLAIMER 1
EXECUTWESUMMARY ii
Part I - iNTRODUCTION
Locationand Descriptionof the Rio Yaqui Basin 4
Historical Perspectives 5
Accountsof Listed Taxa 6
Beautiful Shiner 6Yaqui chub 9Yaqui catfish 10Yaqui topniinnow 12Other Biotic components 14
Decline ofAquaticBiota 16
ConservationEfforts 19
PART II- RECOVERY
ObjectivesandConditions 20
StepdownOutline 23
Narrative 25
LiteratureCited 33
PART LII - IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 41
APPENDIX 44
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Yaqu3. Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
I. Introduction
This RecoveryPlandealswith four threatenedor endangeredtaxa,beautifulshiner(Cyprinellaformosa),
Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea), Yaqui catfish (Ictaluriss pricei) and Yaqui topminnow1 (Poeciliopsis
occidentalissononenris),which inhabittheRio Yaqui drainagebasinof southeasternArizona (AZ) (Fig.
1) andnorthwesternSonora(SON), Mexico (US Bureauof Sport Fisheriesand Wildlife [USBSFW]
1966, US Fish & Wildlife Service[USEWS]I984a, 1986, 1994a). Headwatersof this river systemalso
providedhistoric habitat in theUSA for four additional indigenousfishes,longfin dace(Agosiac~f,
chrysogaster),Mexicanstoneroller(Campostomaornatum), roundtail chub (Gila robusta)andYaqui
sucker(Catostomusbemardini)(Minckley 1973, 1985; McNatt 1974), all currentlycandidatesfor listing
in both theUSA andMexico(USEWS1994a, SecretariadeDesarrolloSocial [SEDESOL]1994;Table
1). Sevenoftheeightspeciesare alsoconsideredimperiledby the Stateof Arizona(Arizona Game&
Fish Department[AZGFD] 1992). Livestock overgrazing,erosion,water diversion,aquiferpumping,
non-indigenousspecies,destructionor alterationof mostnatural fish habitatsanddroughthavecaused
theextirpationof four of the eight taxain the Rio Yaqui basin,USA.
This Plan hasbeenintegratedwith the San BernardinoNational Wildlife RefuseManagementPlan
(USFWS 1987) and San BernardinoNational Wildlife RefuseComDrehensiveMana2ementPlan
(USFWS 1994b [in preparation]). Most of the listed and candidatespeciesphysically occur, are
reintroducedor are to bereestablishedon that refuge,whichalso encompassesdesignatedcritical habitats
for beautiful shiner,Yaqui chubandYaqui catfish(USFWS 1984a). This Planwas thereforeprepared
in context and as part of the conceptual,ecosystem-levelmanagementprogram for an “Area of
Ecological Concern” definedin the ComprehensiveManaRementPlan to include “associatednatural
resourcecomponentsand their respectivejurisdictions.” “Interjurisdictional efforts could...[thus]lead
to cooperativemanagementagreementsbetweenthe Service[USFWS] andotherland ownersincluding
thegovernmentof Mexico whenpossible.” Only in this mannercan the intent of this Planbe attained
to foster sustainableecosystemfunction in the USA portion ofthe basin andhopefully theentire Rio
‘Various commonnamesareappliedtotopminnows. “Gila topminnowis commonlyusedfor all populationsof Poeciliopsis~ asRobinsCtal. (1991)chosenotto recommendcommonnamesfor subspeciesandthatepithetwashistoricallyapplied(Baileyet al. 1948). Meffe etal. (1983)suggested,alternatively,that thename“Sonoran”topminnowbeusedfor thetwo formscombined,with “Yaqui’ and Ciila’ for therespectivesubspecies.Minckley& Deacon(1991)followedthelastsuggestionandprovidedcommonnamesfor subspeciesofwesternfreshwaterfishes;thisapproachis appliedhere.
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Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
TABLE 1. Federal and State Listing status ofRio Yaqui fishes.Taxaextripatedfrom theUSA portionof theRio Yaqui basinaremarkedwith an asterisk(*); beautiful
shinerhasbeensuccessfullyreintroducedon SanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR
Listing Status’Taxa Designated
USA AZ MEXICO Critical Habitat
Agosiachiysogas:er,longfin dace Candidate2 not listed Threatened not appl.Campostomaornatum,
Mexicanstoneroller Candidate2 Endangered Endangered not appl.
* Cypnnellaformosa,beautiful shiner Threatened Endangered Threatened yesGila purpurea,Yaqui
chub Endangered Endangered Endangered yes
*~jj~ robusta,roundtail
chub2 Candidate2 Threatened Rare not appl.
* Catostomusbernardim,Yaqui sucker Candidate2 Endangered Rare not appl.
*Iddup~ pricei, Yaqui
catfish Threatened Endangered Rare yes
Poeciliopsisoccidentalissonoriensis,Yaqui top-minnow Endangered Endangered Threatened no
1 . ReferencesincludeAZGFD 1992; SEDESOL1994; and USBSFW1966,USEWS1984a, 1994a.
2 . Roundtailchubalsois listedby theNM StateLegislature(1974)asequivalentto federallythreatened.
2
YaquiFish historicrangein SEAZ
ARiZONA
(I
P~myu
Wflkox PlaynBasin
W. Turkey
¾
N) 1k
.1kN
AZ
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Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Yaqui watershed.Meansto accomplishthis end includea) habitatstabilization,restorationandenhance-
ment, b) reestablishmentand population stabilization for threatenedand endangeredspecies,c)
enhancementofotherindigenousaquaticbiota in waysthat preventcontinueddeteriorationto preclude
future listings andtherebyd) optimize regional biological diversity bothon andoff National Wildlife
Refuge lands.
A. Location and Description of the Rio Yaqui Basin
The Rio Yaqui basinlies betweenLongitude270 and 320 N and Latitude 1070 and 1100, 40’ W. It
comprises—73,000km2 of whichonly —1500 km2 (<2.0%) is in the USA. BeginningastheRio Papi-
gochic in westernChihuahua(CHI), the streamentersSONto receiveRio deBavispe,thenflows south
into Golfo deCalifornia nearCiudadObreg6n(Hendricksonetal. 1981). Total annualdischargenear
the mouthaverages2800ha3, making it one of the largerstreamsin the region.
The drainagein the USA includespartsof CochiseCo., AZ, andHidalgo Co., NM. Aquatichabitats
with indigenousfishes are in the SanBernardinoand southernSulphurSpringsvalleys,AZ. Four
species(Yaqui chub,sucker,catfishandtopminnow)are (or were) foundnowhereelse in the USA. The
USA part of the Rio Yaqui systemreceivesrunoff from the Swisshelm,Chiricahua,Mule, Pedregosa,
Perilla andPeloncillo mountains. Waterssupporting indigenousfishes include Rucker, Leslie and
Whitewatercreeks,areachin Black Draw (= SanBernardinoCreek= Rio de SanBernardinoin Mexico)
and associatedci~negas,pools/marshesandspringsfed by flowing artesianwells in SanBernardino
Valley (McNatt 1974, Miuckley 1985). Other thancattle-wateringtanks,no permanentsurfacewaters
now exist in theNM portion (USFWS 1986).
Geologicandbiotic evidencejoin to supportthe presumedintimate drainageconnectionsin the recent
pastbetweentheSulphur Springs(WilIcox Playa)Valley andRio Yaqui watershed. First, both Douglas
and SanBernardinovalleysare relatedto theSulphur SpringsValley and SanSimon Trough,respec-
tively, concordantwith regionaltrendsin geologic structure(Meinzer& Kelton 1913,Cooper1959,
Menges& McFadden1981). Second,an early report (Rutter 1896)existsfor Yaqui chubfrom Morse
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Yaqui Fishes Recove~ Plan December1994
Canyon(WestTurkeyCreek),which entersSulphurSpringsValley from the ChiricahuaMountains. The
specimens’identity cannotbe confirmed sincetheywerelost in the SanFranciscoEarthquakeof 1904
(Miller & Lowe 1964, 1967; Hendricksonet al. 1981). However,WestTurkeyCreekalsosupportsa
populationof longfm dace( Agosiacf, chrysogaster)morphologicallydistinct from thosein the Gila
Riverbasinandmost similar to thosefrom the Yaqui (Hendrickson1987). The samegeneticrelation-
ship hasbeenconfirmedby C. A. Tibbits andT. E. Dowling (Arizona StateUniversity [AZSU], unpubl.
data)usingallozymeand mtDNA technology.The SulphurSprings Valley is thereforeincludedhere
aspart of the potentialrecoveryareafor RioYaqui fishes.
Basin-widediversityof aquatichabitatsis high (Hendricksonet al. 1981). Mountaincreeksarecold,
clear andsupportboth indigenousand non-indigenoustrouts. However, most fishes in the basin,
including thosetreatedhere,occupyintermediate-to low-elevation,warmwatercreeks,ci6negas,and
moderate-to large-sizedrivers. Creekstypically havealternatingriffles andpoolsin whichheterogene-
ity is enhancedby undercutbanks,bouldersandwoody debris. Gravelbottomsin swift areasarevege-
tatedwith algae. Cidnegas,stream-associatedmarshlandswith low, emergentaquaticplantsand hydric-
adaptedtrees(e.g.,Salixspp.),werehistorically commonbut havesufferedseveredegradationsincethe
arrival of Europeans(Hendrickson& Minckley 1985). Riversvary from pool-riffle typeswith boulder
andgravelbottomsto long, stronglyflowing reachesover gravelandsand(Campoy-Favelaetal. 1989).
Nearthe sea,riverinefish faunasincludeanumberof marineforms (Hendricksone al. 1981,Minckley
et al. 1986).
B. Historical Perspectives
The upper RioYaqui watershedhasattractedhumanssinceprehistoric times,with evidenceof active
usedatingto the Clovis culture>10,000yearsago(Ardizone 1980,Neily & Beckwith 1985). Spanish
presencedatesto 1694 when PadreEusebioFranciscoKino passedthrough the SanBernardinoarea
(Lanning 1981,Hendrickson& Minckley 1985). Ferallivestockwere abundantby 1822,whenthe San
BernardinoLand Grant was acquiredby Ignacio Perez. The Land Grant was purchasedin 1884 by
“Texas” JohnSlaughter,for cattleand farming operationswhich lasteduntil 1937, whenthe property
wassold (Ervin 1965) andpassedamonga numberof ownersuntil The NatureConservancy(TNC)
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Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December1994
boughtit in 1979(Lanning 1981). Leslie Creekwasacquiredby TNC in 1988. The two parcelswere
respectivelytransferredto USFWSin 1982 and 1988, for the purposeof establishingSanBernardino
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
C. Accountsof Listed Taxa
The four listedfishesof the upperYaqui basin,alongwith four co-occurringCandidate-2taxa, comprise
auniquesub-setof theaquatic-dependentbiotaof theUSA. Sevenof 12 organisms(including oneeach
of frog, snake,snail and plant in addition to the fishes)occuronly in the immediatevicinity of San
Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR An ecosystem-basedRecoveryPlan similar to that recentlycompleted
for the AshMeadowsNWR in NV for anumberof fishes,molluscsandplants(USFWS 1990)is thus
timely andappropriatefor the upper Rio Yaqui biota. Detailed accountsfor listed speciesfollow;
referencesfrom which comparableinformation maybeobtainedon Candidate-2taxaareprovided later.
1. Beautiful shiner
a. Descfiption—Bodycompressed,depthaboutsameas lengthof head. Snoutpointed,mouth oblique.
Lateral line slightly decurved, with 36-40 scales. Anal fin-rays 8-9; dorsal andpelvic fin-rays 8.
Pharyngealteeth0,4-4,0. Non-breedingbody coloration tan to olivaceousdorsally, metallic silver
laterally, belly usuallylighter. Dorsolateralscalesoutlined with melanophores.Breedingmalesyellow-
orangeto orangeon caudaland lower fins; dorsalfin dark. Body bluish, often maskedwith washof
orange,pink or yellow. Dorsumof headred to orange,sides of headbrassyto brassy-orange(Minckley
1973).
b. Nomenclature—Thetaxon presentlyknown as Cyprinella formosawas originally described as
Monianaformosaby Girard (1857) from Rio Mimbres, CHI. The type locality was correctedto
Mimbres River, Luna Co., NMby Gilbert (1978). Chernofi’ & Miller (1982) discussed its taxonomy
and distribution and synonym ized Monianaformosa,Notropissantamariae(Laguna Santa Maria, CHI;
Evermann & Goldsborough 1902) and N. mearnsi(San BernardinoCreek, SON; Snyder 1915 [likely
both AZ and SON, Taylor 1967]) as Notropisformosus,later assignedto the genusCyprinella by
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Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Mayden(1985, 1989). Treatmentof N formosusas a subspecies of red shiner(Notropis lutrensis)by
Contreras-Balderas(1975) andGilbert (1978)hasnot beenaccepted(Matthews 1980, 1987,Chemoff
& Miller 1982, Smith & Miller 1986).
c. Historic Distribution—Beautifulshinerhistorically occurredin the USA only in SanBernardino
Valley andMimbresRiver, NM (Minckley 1973, Subletteet al. 1990). Its range in Mexico included
the RioYaqui system(hereafter‘Yaqui beautiful shiner”), Guzmanbasin(rios del Carmen,SantaMaria
andCasasGrandes,CHI, andRioYaqui, CHI-SON; “Guzmanbeautiful shiner”), (Fig. 2) and themuch
smaller Bavicora and Sauz basins to the south and east in CHI, respectively (Smith & Miller 1986). The
species was first recorded from what is now San Bernardino/Leslie Canyon NWR(and the USA) by
Miller & Winn (1943); it was extirpated there by 1970 (Minckley 1973, 1985; DeMarais& Minckley
1993). The Guzman beautiful shiner (or a derived form; R.R. Miller in Propst & Stefferud1994)
disappeared from Mimbres River, NMafter 1951 (Koster 1957, Rogers 1975, Sublette, etal. 1990, New
Mexico GameCommission 1974), but persists in Mdxico (Propst & Stefferud 1994). This Plan also
includes recommendations for recovery for the Guzman beautiful shiner.
d. CurrentStatus—Beautiful shiner is suffering reductions in natural range in Mexico as a result of
changes in land and water use and impacts of non-indigenous species (e.g., Miller 1978; Chernoff &
Miller 1982; Hendrickson et al. 1981; Hendrickson 1984). Hendrickson et al. (1981) mapped
distributionof theYaqui beautiful shinerin 1978 and expressed concern that it might soon be negatively
influenced by introductions of non-indigenousfishes, especiallyof the closely related red shiner.
Campoy-Favelaet al. (1989)recommendedendangeredstatusfor the speciesin the lower Rio Yaqui
systembasedon negativechangesin abundanceand distributionbetween1978 and 1987-88. Recent
recordsfor Guzmanbeautiful shinerin rios CasasGrandes,del Carmenand SantaMaria basinswere
providedby Propst& Stefferud(1994). The speciespersistsin permanentlywateredstreamcoursesof
the BavicoraBasin,but thesehabitatshavebeendiminishedby agriculture(D. E. Propst,pers. comm.).
We haveno information on current statusof the speciesin the SauzBasin.
Presentoccurrenceof theYaqui beautiful shinerin the USA originatesfrom stockcollectedunderpermit
from the Mexican Governmentin 1989 from Rio Moctezuma,CIII andheld at DexterNationalFish
7
N~ USA
MEXICO
RANGE OF
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
SEA OF CORTEZ
KNOWN AND PROBABLEFORMER RANGE
—
IFigure 2
GEOGRAPHICDISTRIBUTIONOF
BEA UTIFUL SHINER
Mimbru.
RANGE OFGUZMAN FORM
Arizona j New
FORM SEPARATION
BOUNDARY ISONORA CHIHUAHUA
0 100
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- Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Hatchery & Technology Center (NFHTC), Dexter, NM. That stock from was released on San
Bernardino NWRin 1990 and now lives as reproducing populations in three ponds. Dexter NFHTCalso
has in culture a stock of the Guzinan beautiful shiner previously captured from Rio Casas Grandes, CHI
(Jensen 1993), in anticipation of future reintroduction.
C. Ecology—Lifehistory and ecology of the beautiful shiner are poorly known. It is a mid-water-
column species, remaining near but rarely within beds of plants or other cover along pond margins. In
Mexico, Hendrickson et al. (1981) reported it on riffles of small streams and in intermittent pools of
creeks with high percentages of riffle habitat when flowing in wet periods. The fish has adapted well
to ponds and is thriving at San Bernardino NWR(USFWS 1994b).
2. Yaqui chub
a. Description—Headand anterior body thickened, thinning posteriorly. Scales large, broadly imbricate,
radii on all fields. Scales in lateral line <59. Dorsal, anal and pelvic fm-rays typically 8 (rarely 7).
Dorsal-fin origin behind pelvic-fin insertion; pharyngeal teeth 2,5-4,2. Body dark over-all, usually
lighter below. Some breeding males with distinctive, bluish sheen over body; reproductive females
straw-yellow to light brown. Lateral bands scarcely developed or absent. Vertically elongate, diffuse,
trangle-shaped caudal spot usually present (Minckley 1973).
b. Nomenclature—TheYaqui chub was originally described as TigomapurpureaGirard (1857) from
Rio San Bernardino, SONalong with a number of other animals likely based on specimens collected on
both sides of the border (Taylor 1967); as noted before, the chub was also recorded from Sulphur
Springs Valley (Rutter 1896). Its nomenclatorial history following assignment to the genus Gila by
Miller (1945) is straightforward (reviewed by Minckley 1973). Hendrickson etal. (1981) noted, how-
ever, that western populations classified as Yaqui chub appeared differentiated, and DeMarais (1991)
subsequently segregated and named all but the San Bernardino creek population as a new species, Gila
eremica.
c. Historic Distribution—Historicrangeof Yaqui chubwas originally thoughtto includethe uppermost
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Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Rio Yaqui basinwest in SON to dos SonoraandMatape(Minckley 1980, Minckley & Brown 1994).
With identification of Gila eremicaas distinct, the known distribution for Yaqui chub became restricted
to the now-occupied area in the USAof San Bernardino/Leslie Canyon NWR(Black Draw, various
ponds and Leslie Creek), House Pond on the Slaughter Ranch Historic Site (under easement for USFWS
management) and West Turkey Creek in the Chiricahua Mountains (private and US Forest Service lands)
(DeMarais & Minckley 1991, 1993). It was historically and is currently known in Mexico only from
the short perennial reach of Rio San Bernardino (= Black Draw), just south of the USA-Mexican
Boundary (Varela-Romero etal. 1992).
d. Current Status—Thecurrent distribution of Yaqui chub is equivalent to its known historic range
(DeMarais & Minckley 1993). A large percentage of existing populations resulted from reintroductions,
and the species has responded positively to management by developing large and viable stocks in diverse
habitats(USFWS 1994b). DeMarais& Minckley (1991, 1993) reviewed its distribution, morphology
and genetics and were unable to discern evidence for any detrimental effects of pastor presenthabitat
changes, population variations or manipulations related to management efforts.
e. Ecology—Yaquichub live in deep pools in creeks, scoured areas of ci~negas and other stream-
associated, quiet waters. They seek cover in daylight, especially undercut banks and in areas of
accumulated debris. In artificial ponds adults similarly tend to occupy the lower part of the water
column and seek shade. They feed mostly on algae, insects and detrital material (Galat & Gerhardt
1987). Young occupy near-shore zones, often near the lower ends of riffles. Growth to maturity is
rapid, often within the first summer of life. Spawning is protracted throughout the warmer months, with
greater activity in spring. Reproductive potential is high and large populations develop quickly from
a few adults (DeMarais & Minckley 1993).
3. Yaqui catfish
a. Description—Bodyslender, streamlined; old (large) fish thicker bodied. Caudal fin shallowly forked;
anal fin with broadly rounded distal margin, 23-25 rays. Body profusely speckled in young, adults more
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Yaqui FiBhes Recovery Plan December1994
unicolored, dark gray to black dorsally, white to grayish beneath. Barbels jet-black except on immediate
chin where gray to whitish. Channel and blue catfishes (Ictaluruspunctatus,I. furcatus)with more
deeply forked caudal fin in both, distal margin of anal fin less broadly rounded (24-29 rays) or es-
sentially straight (>30 rays), respectively, and anal fin-base much longer in both (Minckley 1973).
Another, undescribed catfish resembling I. pricei has been introduced and is established in the Gila River
drainage (D. Propst, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish [NMDGF],pers. comm.), but its
morphology, status and overall distribution are yet to be determined.
b. Nomenclature—Yaquicatfish was originally described as Wllariuspricei by Rutter (1896) from Rio
San Bernardino, SON. The namepricelwas transferred among a number of genera before being settled
in Ictalurus (see Hendrickson et a). 1981). Ictalurus meeki(Regan 1907), described from the upper Rio
Papigochic, was tenatively referred to synonymy off. pricei by Hendrickson et at. (1981). Taxonomic
status of Mexican catfishes in other than the rios Yaqui-Casas Grandes basins remains unclear, although
Hendrickson (1984) also referred catfish from Rio San Lorenzo, Sinaloa to this species and anticipated
other localities from more southern Mexican rivers as collections become available.
c. Historic Distribution—The original range of forms referred to Yaqui catfish in Mexico included the
rios Yaqui and Casas Grandes basins, from the latter of which it is apparently extirpated (Smith & Miller
1986, Propst & Stefferud 1994), south through the Rio Fuerte system (Miller 1976, 1978). Distribution
in the Rio Yaqui basin in 1978 was mapped by Hendrickson et at. (1981). A population of Yaqui
catfish stocked into the upper Santa Cruz River, AZ in 1899 (Chamberlain 1904) persisted until the late
1950’s (Miller & Lowe 1964, 1967). It reportedly originated from Rio Sonora in SON, from which
basin the species is otherwise known from a single collection (Miller 1940). Other than from the Santa
Cruz stocking, no records supported by specimens are known from the USA(Minckley 1973, 1985).
d. CurrentStatus—Yaqui catfish was captured under permit from the Mexican Government from rios
Aros, SONand Sirupa, CHI in 1987 and 1990, respectively, and is currently under culture at Dexter
NFHTC(Jensen 1993) in anticipation of future reintroduction. The fish is considered imperiled in
Mexico, at least in the Rio Yaqui basin, due to habitat modification and loss and actual and potential
hybridization with channel and blue catfishes, both of which are non-indigenous (Hendrickson et at.
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Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
1981; Miller 1989, Kelsch& Baca1991). Post-1978distributionalrecordswereprovidedby Campoy-
Favelaetal. (1989),who alsocommentedon its reducedrelativeabundanceanddownwardpopulation
trendsin Mdxico.
e. Ecology—Littleis known of the ecology of Yaqui catfish. Minckley (1973, 1985) thought it to
resemble channel caffish. It wasmostcommonlycaughtin largerrivers in areas of medium to slow
current over gravel/sand substrates (Hendrickson etal. 1981). The species grows rapidly and achieves
large sizes in ponds at Dexter NFHTC(Jensen 1992, 1993).
4. Yaqui topminnow2
a. Description—Dorsalprofile slightly curved, body elongate. Caudal fm roundedto almostsquare.
Males small, rarely >25 mm standardlength; femaleslarger, sometimes>50 mm, usually30-45mm.
Anal fin of maleelongatedinto acopulatoryorgan(gonopodium),extendingforward pasttip of snout
when in copulatory position. Ova fertilized internally, young developing within female’s body and born
alive. Gravid females with abdomens distended and urogenital areas darkened. Body tan to olivaceous,
darker above, oftenwhite on belly. Scaleson dorsumdarkly outlinedby melanophores,extendingas
specks to upper belly and pre-pectoral area. Lateral band dark, continuous along sides posterior to
dorsal-fm origin. Fin-rays outlined with melanophores; fins lacking dark spots. Breeding males black,
with some gold on predorsal midline and orange at base of gonopodium and sometime on bases of dorsal
and pelvic fins (Minckley 1973).
b. Nomencl.ature—Yaquitopmmnnow was originally described as Girardinus occidentalisby Girard
(1859) from Rio San Bernardino, SON. It was transferred among a number of genera until Hubbs &
Miller (1941) reviewed and stabilized it as Poecihiopsis. It was subsequentlyrecognizedas a full
species,Poecihiopsissononensis(Miller & Lowe 1964, 1967)until relegatedto subspecificrank under
2Earlier recove,yefforts andplanningfor topminnowswere directedby a RecoveryPlan (USFWS 1984b,underrevision)which includedboth the Gila andYaqui subspecies(Brooks 1985, Bagley et al. 1991, Brown & Abarca 1992)andalso,atleast tacitly, Mexican stocks. Only the Yaqui topminnow populationsin the USA arespecifically coveredby thepresentPlan.
12
Yaqui FisheB Recovery Plan December 1994
P. occidentahisby Minckley (1969, 1973).
c. Historic Distribution—Distributionsof subspeciesof Sonorantopmmnnoware imperfectly known.
Poeciliopsiso. sonoriensis(Yaqui topminnow)in the northern Rio Yaqui basin must have come into
contactwith P. o. occidentalis(Gila topminnow) somewhere in the middle Yaqui basin, since the latter’s
geographic range extends from the Gila basin southwest through the rios Sonora and Matape to include
the lower Rio Yaqui basin (Vrijenhoek et a!. 1985). It is unknown if sonoriensisand occidentahisgrade
into one another, hybridize in a narrow band or co-occur. Statements of known historic distribution
therefore include a composite of both, which collectively inhabit most of the Rio Yaqui basin <1300 m
elevation(Hendricksonet a!. 1981, Campoy-Favelaet a!. 1989). The northern limit in the Rio de
Bavispe subbasin is the Rio San Bernardino. None is recordedin the Rio Papigochic subbasin
(Hendricksonet a!. 1981,Campoy-Favelaeta!. 1989).
d. Current Status—Topminnowdistribution and abundancehaveundoubtedlydeclineddue to habitat
deterioration and loss through stream incision, drainageof ci~negasand habitatdesiccation. A large
population expired in 1969, for example, with drying of Astin Spring, Cochise Co., AZ (Minckley 1973;
DeMarais & Mlnckley 1993). In 1978, however, topminnows were abundant in lower-elevation habitats
of the Yaqui basin along stream margins, and equallyso in thermalwatersfed by artesiansourcesat
higher elevations (Hendricksonetal. 1981). Campoy-Favela er a!. (1989) also found them abundant
in lower-elevation habitats in 1987-88. Management efforts on the San Bernardino/Leslie Canyon NWR,
including removal of western mosquitofish, (Gambusiaaffinis), rehabilitation of cidnegas and springs
and reintroductions(Minckley & Brooks 1985, USFWS1986), have succeeded in maintaining 15
separateandviable populations(USFWS 1994b).
Western mosquitofish, a diminutive but voracious non-indigenous predator widely introducedthroughout
the western USA for mosquito control, is the factor to which much of the general decline and
disappearance of topminnows from the Gila basin has been attributed (Schoeniherr 1973, 1977; Meffe
1983, 1985, Minckley et a!. 1991), was first recorded in AZ in the 1920’s and quickly spread to
populate essentially all aquatic habitats (Minckley eta!. 1977). For some reason, however, it did not
appear in collections
13
Yaqui FisheB Recovery Plan December1994
in theRio Yaqui basin,USA until 1979. As soonasit established,negativeimpactson topminnows
wereevident, includingreductionsin numbers,changesin population structure (loss of smaller size
classes)and physicaldamageto adultsasa resultof direct attacks (Galat& Robertson1988,1992).
Westernmosquftofishwererarelypresentin collectionsfrom northwesternMexico in 1978 (Hendrickson
et a!. 1981, Hendrickson1984), but have continuedto spread(Campoy-Favelaet a!. 1989,JuArez-
Romeroet a!. 1991,Varela-Romeroet a!. 1992)at thepresumedexpenseof topminnows.
e. Ecology—Farmoreis knownoftheecologyoftheGila River subspeciesof Sonorantopminnowthan
for the Yaqui form (Schoenherr1973, 1977, Constantz1976, Meffe 1985, Minckley et at. 1991 &
referencescited). Galat& Robertson(1988, 1992) specificallystudiedtheYaqui form in spring-and
artesian-fedhabitatsandBlack Draw on theSanBernardinoNWR. Bothtopminnowslive in shallow,
warm, quiet watersandonly occasionallyin moderateto relatively swift currents. Preferredhabitats
usually include densematsofalgaeanddebrisalongstreammarginsor in eddiesbelow riffles, typically
over sandysubstratescoveredwith organicmudsanddebris. Theybecomemostabundantin marshes,
especially those fed by thermal springs or artesian outflows (in part Simms & Simms 1992).
Topminnowseat detritus, living vegetativematerial, amphipodcrustaceansandaquatic insectlarvae
including mosquitos (Minckley 1973, Gerking & Plantz 1980). FemaleYaqui topminnowsmayhave
>20 young per brood at intervals of —20 days. Reproductionoccurs year-aroundwhere winter
temperaturesareamelioratedby inflow of springs, but under conditions of fluctuating temperature begins
in early April and ends in October(Minckley 1973, Galat & Robertson 1988, 1992). Few individuals
in nature live more than a year.
5. Other Biotic Components
a. ThhesandOtherVeitebnztes—Longfindace,Mexicanstoneroller(Campostoinaornatum), roundtail
chub (Gi!a robusta)and Yaqui sucker (Catostomusbernardini), comprise the remainder of the eight-
speciesfish faunaoriginally inhabitingthe upperRio Yaqui, USA. The first two still occur, the dace
on boththe SanBernardinoand LeslieCreek properties,in RuckerCanyonandin WestTurkey Creek
(SulphurSpringsValley). As notedearlier,the Yaqui longfin daceis morphologicallyandgenetically
14
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December1994
distinct from that of theGila Riverbasin (Hendrickson1987, Tibbits & Dowling AZSU, pers.comm.)
Mexicanstonerollerhasonly recentlybeenfoundin SanBernardinoCreek(DeMarais& Minckley
1993), but occurrednaturally in RuckerCanyon,from which it wasoriginally describedasCampostoma
pricel (Jordan& Evermann1886). This nominal specieswas synonymizedwith C. ornatumby Burr
(1976). It’s populationfluctuatesdramatically,promptingMinckley (1973)to erroneouslyreport its ex-
tirpation (Burr 1976,Minckley 1985)after samplingat a time of low population.
Minckley (1973) likely alsoerredby questioninglocality dataanddismissingtherecordof specimens
of roundtail chub labled as caughtin 1954 from San BernardinoCreek he sawat theUniversityof
Arizona (UAZ) in —1967. At the time he (pers.comm.)wasunawarethat the chub lived just down-
streamfrom theUSA-Mexicanboundaryin Arroyo Caj6n Bonito, SON (Hendricksonet a!. 1981).
Unfortunately,theUAZ specimenshavenotbeenrelocated.This chub almostcertainlyenteredtheUSA
portion of thedrainagein wet periods,apatternalsolikely the casefor Yaqui catfishandYaqui sucker
in the San Bernardinoareaand for the Yaqui catfishin the Mimbressystem. It is thus includedasa
speciesto be desired in the upperRio Yaqui “Area of Ecological Concern.” The only older name
applied to roundtail chubsfrom the Yaqui basinis Gi!a minacaeMeek (1904),synonymizedwith G.
robustaby Miller (1976). Basedon preliminarygeneticdata,roundtailchubsfrom theYaqui system
may, however, be asdistinctive as longfin dacefrom thosein the Gila River system(T.E. Dowling,
AZSU, pers. comm.).
Yaqui sucker was abundant in Astin Spring in Black Draw in 1967 (Minckley 1973), but disappeared
upon system-wide drying in or about 1969 (Minckley 1973, DeMarais & Minckley 1993). It was
common in Mexico in 1978 (Hendricksoneta!. 1981) and remained so in 1987-88 (Campoy-Favela et
a!. 1989). This species was also described from the Rio SanBernardinoby Girard (1857), It’s only
synonym is Catostomussononensis(Snyder 1915). Morphological similarity of Yaqui and Sonora
(Catostomusinsignis) suckers, the latter of which occurs in the adjacent Gila River basin, hasled a
number of workersto considerthe first at mosta subspeciesof thesecond(or conspecific;Minckley
1973, Hendrickson eta!. 1981). In light of demonstrated differences between Gila and Yaqui forms of
longfin dace and roundtail chub (see above), this perception might best be re-examined.
15
Yaciui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Two other regionally indigenous aquatic dependentvertebrates,Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana
chiricahuaensis)and Mexican garter snake (Thamnophiseques)havealsobecomerare or disappeared
locally. The first was common into the 1970’s on San BernardinoNWR before suffering severe
population declines due to non-indigenousbullfrogs (Rana catesbelana).The nativefrog is eatenby
adult bullfrogs and now persists only in Leslie Creekwhere bullfrogs havenot yetappeared(Rosen&
Schwalbe in press). Bullfrog-free areas have been establishedelsewhere,in which leopardfrogs reappear
or persist when reintroduced. In addition, tadpolesfrom Leslie Creekare reared at the Arizona-Sonora
Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ. Capture efforts for Mexican garter snakes yield large (old) animals, in-
dicating bullfrogs also have negative impacts on young snake survival. Four small ponds fenced against
bullfrogs have been created on San Bernardino NWRin attempts to re-establish viable indigenous frog
populations and enhance the snake as well. CooperatorsincludeAZGFD, NationalBiological Survey,
UAZ and USFWSPhoenix Ecological Services Office (USEWS 1994b).
b. Invertebrates—TheSan Bernardino springsnail (Pyrgidopsisbernardina) (Hershler 1994) is a
Candidate-2species clearly in jeopardydue to habitat loss and degradation,westernmosquitofish
predationand efforts to eliminatenon-indigenousfishes(USFWS 1994b). Limited habitatposesthe
snail’s most severeproblem. Only a single spring provides the shaded,hillside seepagehabitat
presumablynecessaryfor their survival. Researchis neededto determinehabitatand other factors
neededto insure survival.
c. Plants—TheHuachucawaterumbel,LJ!aeopsisschaifflerianasubsp.recurva,wasrecordedalongthe
marginsofHousePondon theSlaughterHistorical Sitein 1981, alongBlack Draw —0.8 km upstream
from the USA-MexicanBoundary in 1989-90, and alongRio SanBernardino,SON nearHighway2
in 1988. The first and lastweredestroyedby dredgingandflood, respectively,soonafterbeingrecorded
(Warrenet a!. 1991). USFWS (1994b) cited otherlocales for this plant on SanBernardinoNWR.
Suckling(1993)petitionedthe US Departmentof Interior for listing asendangered;no actionhasyet
beentaken. ArizonaTNC personnelhavetransplantedHuachucaumbel with limited success;alternative
meansfor protectionandrestorationneedexploring.
D. Declineof the AquaticBiota
16
Yaqui FisheB Recovery Plan December 1994
1. Watershed-level Effects of Human Uses
Most of the USA-Mexican borderlands(Gehlbach1981, Humphrey 1986), including all of southeastern
AZ and southwestern NM, have been heavily usedfor cattle grazingand local farming. Mining and
other activities also effected some detrimentalhabitator landscapechanges.Diversityof naturalland-
scapesquickly diminishedundergrazingpressure,especiallywhenrangeswereoverstocked(Wagoner
1960). ChihuahuanDesertscrubexpanded,grasslandsdeterioratedor locally disappearedandriparian
and aquatichabitatswere destroyedor reducedto disturbed,disjunct remnants(USFWS 1994b).
Today’s regional vegetation nonethelessremains a desert grassland, closely intermingled with
Chihuahuandesertscrubon drier sites(Lanning 1981). Mesquite(Prosopisg!andu!osa)bosquesarethe
predominantlowland communities,alongwith pocketsof riparian broadleafedwoodlandsandcidnega
habitatswherewaterpersistsat or nearthesurface(Marrs-Smith1983)
2. Influences on Aquatic Habitat and Biota
Physicalandotherimpactsassociatedwith watershed use and misuse led, in turn, to dramaticreductions
in aquatichabitatsandbiota. In the pastas today,waterwasa scarceand sought-aftercommodity.
Relatively abundantsuppliesin theupperRio Yaqui basin, especiallyafterartesianwells were built in
the later 1800’s, led to large-scale cattle grazing andconcentratedfarming.
Severe grazing pressure (including trampling) also led to incision of stream channels that drainedand
desiccated cidnegas, diversionandmodificationof streamchannelsthemselves and excessive exploitation
of undergroundaquifers;all reducedthequantity andquality of natural surfacewaters. Streamsfrom
springs and wells were channeled to fields and tanks. Black Draw changed from a marshy swale
(ci~nega) in the 1850’s to a creek lined with cottonwoods (Popu!usfremontii)in the 1890’s to an arroyo
by the 1960’s that was three to five meters deep, to 25 mwide and usually dry (Brandt 1951, Lanning
1981, DeMarais & Minckley 1993). Similar patterns typified the region (Hastings 1959, Hastings &
Turner 1965, Cooke & Reeves 1976, Hendrickson & Minckley 1985, Williams et a!. 1985). In-
troduction of non-indigenous species into stock-watering ponds and elsewhere came later, and their
spread to remnant natural habitats contributed further to a general decline in aquatic communities
17
Yaciui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
(Minckley 1973, 1985, 1991). Included were highly predatory taxa such as largemouth bass
(Microptensssalmoides),bullfrog, and western mosquitofish, andcompetitors/predatorssuchas bullhead
catfish (Amelurusspp.),bluegill (Lepomismacrochirus)and black crappie (Pomoxisnigromacidatus).
Paraphrased below are DeMarais & Minckley’s (1993) summaries of specific habitat and fish-faunal
changes in the San Bernardino/Leslie Canyon NWRarea. Comments generalizing their coverage, origi-
nally prepared with specific reference to Yaqui chub, are in brackets[I.
Decline of Ithe aquaticbiota] musthavebegunwith regional arroyo cutting in the late 1800s (Hastings 1959; Hastings& Turner, 1965;Cooke& Reeves,1976;Hendrickson& Minckley, 1985). [Yet]EdgarA. Mearnscollected chubs andthreeotherfishes,Yaqui sucker,beautifulshiner, and Sonorantopminnow, from Black Draw nearthe borderin 1893(Snyder, 1915).
Thenext known collectionswerein 1943 (Miller & Simon, 1943). Five nativespecies[includingYaqui chub] wereinAstin Spring~ the mostupstreampermanentwaterin Black Draw about 3.2 km north of the Boundaiy. Othersin-cludedsucker,longfln dace,shiner,andtopminnow. Only the lastwasbetweenAstin Spring and3.2 km southof theborder. Thesamefive remainedin 1950 when Black Draw [wassampled]from the Boundaiyto 3.2 km downstream(HendricksonetaL, 1981). Astin Spring wasnot visited, butall but thesuckerwere recordedfrom otherartesian-fedwaters.
Chubs,suckers,andtopminnowsremainedin Astin Spring in 1965. Black Draw wasintermittent, supportingonlylongfln daceandtopminnowin isolatedpools along its upper4.3 km. The shinerpersistedin oneartesian-fedpond.Black Drawwasdiy belowAstin Springto the borderin 1966, andintermittentwith only topminnowin a [single]poolin 1968. Astin Springat that time supportedoneof two knownpopulationsof chubsalongwith the lastYaqui suckerjs]and oneof no morethaneight amall stocksof topminnowin the United States(Minckley, 1973;Hendricksonet aL,1981). The secondstockof chub,estimatedat 20 or fewer(McNafl, 1974), persistedin marshesfedby an artesianwell(USFWS, 1986); the lastwas seenin 1976.
Atm Spring failed in 1969. Justbeforedesiccationabout200 adultseachof Yaqui chubandthen-federally-listedSonorantopminnow(US Bureauof Sport Fisheriesand Wildlife, 1966) weretransferredto Leslie Creek(Minckley,1973; Minckley & Brooks 1985),whereboth speciesestablished(Minckley, 1973, 1985;McNatt 1974; Silvey, 1975).Yaqui suckerwasextirpatedfromtheUnited StateswhenAtin Springdried, and beautiful shinerdisappearedsoonaftertheartesianwell feedingits pond wascappedin c. 1970(Minckley, 1973). Topminnowpopulationswere reducedtosurvivors in Leslie Creekand five isolatedsprings/artesianflows.
In 1970-72,Leslie Creekwasproposedfor a sportfishing lake (AZGFD 1972; Wigel & Olding, 1976). Althoughpresenceof listedtopminnowand rareYaqui chub deterredtheproject (Silvey, 1975), it wasnot until the watershedwasjudgedinadequatein sizeto support suchan impoundmentandquestionsof water-rightsarosethat the projectwasshelved. LeslieCreekthen almostdisappearedduring a drought in 1975-76. As insuranceagainstextinction, about225 chubsweretransferredin 1976 to Dexter[NFH](Johnson& Jensen1991). Theysurvivedto reproduceprolificallyin a 0.04-hapond.
18
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Few collections were made in WhitewaterDrawjust eastofDouglasbefore it wasessentiallydried inthe 1970’s, presumablydueto upstreamwater developmentand livestock overgrazing,and severelypollutedneartheUSA-Mexicanborderby smeltingoperations(W.L. Minckley, AZSU, pers.comm.).Basedon specimensdepositedattheUniversity of Michigan,RR Miller caughtthreeindigenousspeciesin 1939 (longfm dace,Mexicanstoneroller,Yaqui topminnow),alongwith introducedcommon carp(Cyprinuscaipio),goldftsh (Carassiusauratus)andblack bullhead(Amejurusme!as). JamesR. Simoncaughtall the samespeciesexceptstonerollerin two collectionsin 1943. In the 1960’sand 1970’s,Minckley (AZSU, pers. comm.)seinedonly goldfish and black bullhead until 1979, whenwesternmosquitofishappeared.The lasthasnow spreadthroughoutthelower WhitewaterCreekdrainagein AZ,andpresumablyin Mexico.
E. ConservationEfforts
DeMarais& Minckley (1993)also reviewedsubsequentconservationefforts (againspecifically for Yaqui
chub), someof whichmay begeneralizedto thewhole biota as follows.
Acquisitionof habitatstarted in 1979 with purchaseof the San BernardinoRanchby TheNature Conservancy(TNC). Thepropertywastransferredto USFWS ownershipin 1982to establishthe SanBernardinoNWR (USFWS, 1987). Thehistoric“TexasJohn” Slaughterhome,outbuildings, and one major spring/pondcomplexwere deededto the JohnsonHistoricalFoundation, with biological managementremainingUSFWSresponsibility. LeslieCreek, which surviveda proposedimpoundmentrevisitedandagainrejectedin 1984 (EarthTechnologyCorporation,1984). wasaddedto theNWR in 1989,againthrough TNC purchasetransferredto USFWS.
Habitat improvementscommencedimmediatelyupon acquisitionof SanBernardinoRanchin 1979 (1982
by USEWS)and Leslie Canyonin 1988. Biological processesdamagedby poor grazingpractices,
intensefarmingandoccasionaldroughtswere restored. Desirablewoody plantswerereestablishedalong
streamcourses,which alongwith installation of gabionstructures,reducederosionandstabilizedbanks.
Undesirablewoodyspecieswere thinned,weedsin abandonedfields were mowedto benefit indigenous
grassesand somereseedingwas implemented.
Effortsto removenon-indigenousfishes(e.g., blackbullhead,blackcrappie,bluegill, largemouthbass)
andto combatspreadofwesternmosquitofish,which appearedin 1979, commencedwith renovationof
HousePond,exclusionofundesirablespeciesthrough barriers,and removalof nativespeciesanddrying
by diversion or cappingof artesianflows followed by reestablishmentof habitatand nativebiota.
Finally, ci~negaswere restoredby piping water, allowing flow into suitableareassuch asabandoned
farm fields and constructedpondswith associatedstreamruns whereindigenousYaqui fishescouldex-
pandpopulationsafter naturaldispersalor stocking.
19
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Yaqui chubsfrom DexterNFHTCwerestockedon SanBernardinoRanchin 1980, immediately following TNC purchase.[rwo of three] stockingssucceeded.[TheDexterNFH] stockfailed [in 1984] for unknown reasonsandwasimmediatelyreinstatedwith 100 fish [fromNorth Pondstockestablishedin 1980]. HousePondwas [renovatedin 1984-85 to remove]mosquitofish,aspeciesincompatiblewith topminnowsalsomanagedthere. lilt was] restockedwith chubs[andtopminnow]in 1986. Also in 1986, becausesecurepopulationswere establishedon theNWR, Yaqui chub wasremovedfrom DexterNFH [andstockedin WestTurkey Creek,wherethey established](Minckley & DeMarais 1993).
Yaqui chub reappearedin Black Draw in 1987, eitherfrom the 1980 stockingor throughupstream
dispersalfrom Mexico. ConsiderableUSEWS effort had by then beenexpendedin erosioncontrol and
revegetation,andpositiveresultsof this, coupledwith consecutivewet yearsandappearanceof Mexican
stoneroller(notbeforerecordedfrom thestream[Hendricksonetal. 1981]), makethe lattermosttenable
(DeMarais& Minckley 1993). While theseactivitiesproceeded,further planswere implementedto
acquireextirpatedspeciesfrom Mexico for cultureandultimate reintroductionbackinto historic habitats.
After arrangingfor appropriateMexicanpermits,personnelfrom USFWS,AZGFD, AZSU andEl Centro
deEcologico,Hermosillo, SON collaboratedin two trips for Yaqul catfish(Rio Aros, SON 1987; Rio
Sirupa,CHI 1990)andonefor beautiful shiner(Arroyo Moctezuma,CIII, 1989). Yaqui catfish areat
DexterNFHTC (Jensen1993), whereit hasbeenstudiedmorphologicallyandgeneticallyfor positive
identification (Miller 1989, Kelsch & Baca 1991) and to ascertainbasic information required for
successfulculture. The shinerswere heldat DexterNFHTC. then400 individualsof Yaqui beautiful
shiner were reintroducedin May 1990 on SanBernardinoNWR. It establishedandexpandedinto
today’s sub-populations.
II. RECOVERY
A. Objectives
The primary objective of this RecoveryPlan is to restorethe Rio Yaqui fishes as secureand self-
sustainingmembersofthe indigenousfish faunaoftheaquaticecosystemsin which theyonceoccurred.
The SanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWRwill serveasa refugium and sourceof stocksfor recoveryof
thesefishes. The limited amountof habitatavailablein the USA andthe fact that this habitatis at the
northernlimits of rangefor essentiallyall speciesmeansthat recoverycannotbe accomplishedentirely
in the USA. Otherjurisdictions (including private landowners)in theUSA andMexico mustbe full
partnersin theRio Yaqui fishesrecoveryeffort in order for themto be delisted. The mostintensive
20
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
managementefforts may occuron refuge lands in AZ, but the Plan also calls for reintroductionof
Guzmanbeautiful shinerand Yaqui catfishinto their suspectedformer rangein theMimbresRiver
watershed,NM. This, plus inclusionof theSulphurSprings(Willcox Playa)Valley, AZ, aspart of an
“Area of Ecological Concern,”expandsthe needfor partnershipswith otherFederal,State, local and
private agenciesand individuals. It also is clear that expansionof securepopulationsof thesubject
speciesinto M&uco will berequiredin orderfor recoveryto occur. Everyeffort mustbe madeto work
cooperativelywith theMexicanFederal,Stateand~localgovernmentsandprivate individualsto ensure
survival ofthesespecies.
1. Conditions for downhsting or delisting3
All the following conditionsmustbe met within currently occupiedhabitatfor a periodof 10 years
beforeconsiderationof delisting for beautiful shinerandYaqui catfishor downlistingfor Yaqui chub
and topminnow:
a—SecureandprotectSanBernardinoValley aquifersso that all artesian-wellandotherflows from
subsurfacesourcesare perennial. Secureand protectLeslie Creek, Black Draw and Mimbres
River, NM watershedsto ensureadequate,perennialflow. And,
b--Eradicateall non-indigenousfish speciesand otherundesirableorganismssuchasbullfrogs
from critical habitat. And,
c—protectcritical habitatandotherhabitatswherespeciesof concernoccuror arereestablishedfrom
humandisturbancesincluding excessivegrazing, irrigated agriculture,mining, introductions of
non-indigenousspeciesandwaterdiversionor removal.
In addition to criteria a-cjust listed, the following objectivesmustbemet for eachof the four listed
3lnvariably, subjectivewordsbecomecontroversialwhen usedrelative to downlisting/delisting of imperiled species.Thefollowing definitions apply for purposesof this Plan: Secureis usedin the inclusive senseof legal protection andprotectionfrom natural(physical,chemicalor biological) catastrophesaswell as technologicallyandeconomicallypossible;Reestablishedmeansmaintaining a self-sustainingpopulation, with no or minimal human intervention; and Self-sustainingpopulationsare reproducingnaturally and maintaining sizesand structuresindicative of persistencefor a reasonableperiod of-time. Reasonable,in this context, is defined asthrough tens to hundredsof generations.
21
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
species.
a. Beautiful shiner—Delistwhen:
1) Arizona populationsof Yaqui beautifulshiner arereestablished,self-sustainingandsecure
for at least10 yearsin all suitable,existing and reclaimedSan Bemardino/LeslieCanyon
NWR habitats;
2) Guzmanbeautifulshiner is reestablished,self-sustainingand securefor at least10 yearsin
theMimbresRiver andotheravailablehabitatswithin its historic rangein NM; and
3) self-sustainingpopulationsof both forms aresecurewithin their historic rangesin Mexico.
b. Yaqui chub—Dueto the limited historic distributionofYaqui Chub,delistingis not currently con-
sideredan option. Downlistto threatenedstatuswhen:
1) self-sustainingpopulations are establishedand secureon SanBernardinoandLeslieCanyon
NWR lands,and
2) self-sustainingpopulationsare establishedand securein WestTurkey Creek,AZ undera
formal ConservationManagementPlan orotherbindingagreement,acceptedandimplemented
by thejurisdictionsinvolved.
c. Yaqwtopininnow—Downlistto threatenedwhen self-sustainingpopulationshavesurvivedat least
10 yearsin all suitable,existing andreclaimedSanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR habitats.
d. Yaqui catfish— SanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR and associatedwaters,becauseof their
physicalsize,canonly actasa geneticandpopulationrefugium.Delisting canoccurwhenrecovery
in theform ofprotectionofwild populationsfrom threatsofhybridization, negativeinteractionswith
non-indigenousspeciesor othernagativeimpacts is assuredin Mdxico and Mexicanpopulationsare
22
- Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December1994
thereforesecureandself-sustaining.
2. StepdownOutline
Items in the stepdown(andnarrative,which follows) mayappearto emphasizeRio Yaqui habitats
andimperiledtaxa. Using thesamerecoveryactionswhereapplicablefor Rio Mimbreshabitats
andtheGuznianbeautiful shineris, however,the intent.
1.0 Cooperateon recoverywith Mexico.
1.1 Pursueagreementsand developmentof managementplansfor long-term survivaloffishesof concernin Mdxico.
1.2 Developand implementcooperativemanagementplans.
2.0 Manage existing habitats and populations.
2.1 Determineaquiferrechargezone,capacitiesandconfigurationandcharacteristicsof sub-surfaceflow.
2.2 Protectwatershedand aquifer.
2.3 Determineamountsof waterrequiredto maintain listed species.
2.4 Reviseandcontinueimplementionof SanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR MasterPlan.
2.4.1 Developwater-useplan for San Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR.
2.4.2 Developandimplementgeneticmonitoring plans andschedulesfor eachspecies.
2.4.3 Developand implement managementplan for eachspeciesof concern.
2.5 Developor enhancenew andexisting habitats;monitor successof habitatmanagement.
2.6 Eradicate and secure againstreinvasion or new introductionsof non-indigenousspecies.
3.0 Determine biological requirementsof listed species.
3.1 Examine and document life histories.
23
Yacjui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
3.2 Determineimpactsof intra- and interspecificinteractionsin habitatsoccupiedbycombinationsof species.
3.3 Determinehabitatrequirementsandhabitatutilization.
3.4 Determineanddelineategeneticcompositionof existingpopulations.
3.5 Monitor healthof fish populationsand occupiedhabitats.
4.0 Protect historic habitats of fishesof concernin the USA.
4.1 Maintain levelsandquality of subsurfacewaterssufficient to sustainspringsand
flow of artesianwells, therebyprotectingsurfacewaters.
4.1.1 Apply properor enhancedland-usepractices.
4.1.2 Excludedevelopmentsuchas mining or irrigatedagriculture.
4.1.3 Forgeagreementsto assureaquiferwaterquality.
4.2 Work with waterusersandappropriateagenciesand individualsto preventoveruseofwaterfrom essentialaquifers.
4.3 Obtaininstreamflow water-rightsfor sufficient waterto maintainsurfaceflows inwatercoursesimportantto recovery.
4.4 Acquireandprotector protectthroughconservationagreements,habitatmanagementplansor otherbindingagreementstheessentialwatersandhabitatsneededfor long-termsurvivalof fishesof concern.
5.0 Assesshabitats for reintroduction and reestablish the speciesofconcernwithin
appropriate habitats in historic ranges.
5.1 IdentiI~y areasfor possiblereintroductions.
5.2 Develop culture techniques for and effect reintroductions of Yaqui catfish.
5.2.1 Develop breeding protocol.
5.2.2 Determine fish size, time of year and stocking densities required to insuresurvival.
5.2.3 Stockandmonitor successofreintroductions.
5.3 Reintroduce,reestablishandmonitorpopulationsof otherspeciesof concern.
24
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
5.4 Work with public agenciesandprivate landownersto manageexisting andreintroducedpopulationsoffishesof concern.
6.0 Developinformation and education programs for all species,their habitats and theecosystem(s)upon which they depend.
6.1 Developcomprehensiveprogramsof informationandeducation.
6.2 Insurebroaddisseminationof information in both EnglishandSpanish.
6.3 Establishandmaintainarchivesof publishedandunpublishedmaterialsrelevantto
aquaticorganismsandaquatichabitatsof concernin permanentdepositories.
2. Narrative
1.0 Cooperateon recoverywith Mexico. Dueto limited habitat in theUSA, closecooperation
with M6xico mustoccurprior to considerationof downlistingor delistingany oftheYaqui fishesor
the Guzmanbeautiful shiner. Although the small parts of historic Rio Yaqui and Rio Mimbres
watershedsoccurringin theUSA maybeadequateto providerefugiato preventextinction, full re-
covery to delistingcannotoccurwithout protectionof the speciesand their habitatsin Mexico.
1.1 Agreementsandmanagementplansto insurelong-term survival of Rio Yaqui fishesand
Guzmanbeautiful shinerin Mexico mustbepursuedthroughall conceivablesources,including
but not limited to the International Boundary & Water Commission,U.S. StateDepartment
relativeto North AmericanFree TradeAgreementstipulationsandsideagreements,SEDESOL
of Mexico, andotherappropriategovernmentalagencies,andwith conservation-orientednon-
governmentalagenciessuchas TNC in theUSA andprivateentitiesin Mexico.
1.2 Finalagreementsbetweenand amongUSA andMexicanagenciesshouldincludeprovisions
for managementofexisting and reestablishedpopulations. Such agreementsshouldbe negotiated
to havepositive or minimal negativeimpactson agenciesand their operations. As appropriate,
all projectsconsideredwhich potentially impactfishesof concernor their habitatsshouldcomply
with existinglawsandregulationsofthe countryin which they occur, with maximumcooperation
25
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
betweencountriesto benefitthe speciesof concern. Agreementsshouldprovidebasicprotection
for thefishes,accessto sites,managementrights to improve and enhancesites,andprovisions
for eradicationand exclusionof non-indigenousspecies.
2.0 Manage existing habitats and populations.
2.1 Delineatecatclunentarea,rechargeand flow rates,storagevolumesandotherattributesof
the undergroundaquifersfor San Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR throughcontractor other
agreementwith US GeologicalSurveyor otherappropriateagencyor organization,andexpand
or contractagreementsobtainedin 2.2 (below) to includethosespecificareas.
2.2 Seekbinding agreementsamongandbetweenpolitical units, agenciesandprivate landowners
(4.14.4,below) to protect the watershedand presumedcatchmentsfor undergroundaquifersfrom
detrimentalchangesin water qualityand quantity.
2.3 Determinequantitiesof waterrequiredto sustainpopulationsof listed speciesat levelsnow
being maintained at San Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR and develop storage or water-
acquisitionsystemsto assureperpetuationofthosequantitiesthrough droughtor otherwater-short
periods.
2.4 Reviseand continueimplementationof the San Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR Master
Plan, asappropriate. TheMasterPlanshouldbereviewedandrevisedto provideguidancefor
maintainingthehealthand geneticintegrity of all speciesof fishesandother imperiled biotic
elements.
2.4.1 Developwater-useplan basedon informationandagreementsunder2.1-2.3,aboveand
4.14.4,below to guide water useon the NWRthat maximizesmaintenanceof populations
of taxaof concern.
26
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
2.4.2 Developand implementgeneticsmonitoring plan. Assessgeneticchangesovertime
and prevent managementactivities which might result in loss of variability. Develop
geneticsmaintenanceprogramsfor imperiledbiotic elements.
2.4.3 Developmanagementplans which assureself-sustainingand geneticallyvariable
populationsof each speciesof concern,communitiesof aquaticorganismsoperatingin as
natural astateaspossibleso that functioningecosystemsof aquatic,semi-aquatic,riparian
and terrestrialcomponentsmay be efficiently maintained.
2.5 Develop,enhanceand monitor existinghabitats. Efforts shouldbe madeto improve and
perpetuateexistinghabitatsashigh-qualityenvironments.
2.6 Preventintroductionsof non-indigenousspecies. Successof recoveryefforts will require
restorationand repopulationof historic habitats. Becausenon-indigenousfishes and other
organismscompetewith, preyuponandsometimeshybridizewith indigenousspecies,invasions
by non-indigenousspeciesmustbe prevented,andthe lattermustbe removed where possible.
Barriers and other meansof excluding non-indigenousspeciesmust be utilized, as needed.
Renovationofhabitatscontainingnon-indigenousspeciesmustoccurprior to reestablishmentof
indigenoustaxa.
3.0 Determinebiological requirementsof speciesofconcern.
3.1 Examineand documentlife histories. Broad gapsexist in knowledgeof the biology of
imperiledorganismsof concern. Information shouldbe gathered,publishedandsynthesizedon
the ecological requirementsfor reproduction,survival, growth, parasites,behaviorand other
biological attributesof each.
3.2 Determineintra- and interspecific interactionsbetweenand among speciesin occupied
habitats. Data on interactionsalong with life-history information (3.1, above) will provide
insightson the dynamicsneededto managemulti-speciescommunities.
27
Yaciui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
3.3 Determinehabitatrequirementsand definehabitatutilization. Information on quality and
quantityofhabitatneededto maintainorexpandpopulationsare largely intuitive. Recoverymay
requirereconstructionor modificationof habitats,and habitatresearchshould be conductedto
developinformationuponwhich to basefuturedecisions,especiallyasefforts expandto establish
andmaintainmulti-speciescommunities.
3.4 Ascertaingeneticprofiles for existing populations.Baselinegeneticinformation is required
to documentexisting differencesand similarities betweenisolated populationsand establish
geneticcriteria for future management.Plans for geneticmonitoring (2.4.2,above)should
commenceandbe integratedwith any geneticsresearch.
3.5 Monitor fish populationsandhabitats. A programof monitoringshouldbe developedwhich
incorporatesstandardsamplingprotocolsdesignedto assesspopulation sizesand speciesand
habitathealthandwell-being, while atthesametime forming thebasisfor samplingrelativeto
otherresearchtasks. Managersandresearchersshouldcloselyintegratetheirsamplingprotocols
to minimize needsfor speciestakeandhabitatdisruption.
4.0 Protect historic habitat of fishes of concern in the USA. The fishes of concern were
historically in the SanBernardinoandSulphur Springsvalleysin AZ andMimbresRiverwatershed
in NM. At present,theyareonly on the SanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR and in WestTurkey
Creekin AZ. Theirdistributionsin Mdxico vary from restrictedfor Yaqui chubto uncertainlybroad
for Yaqui andGuzznanbeautiful shiners,Yaqui catfishand Yaqui topminnow. A recoveryprogram
for thesefishesrequiresecosystem-levelprotectiondue to thenumberof listed speciesandregional
scarcity of water. Protectionof habitatsas ecosystemcomponentsis thus the most important
requirementfor recovery. Protectioncan be accomplishedby preventingactivities that disturb
watershedsand/ordirectly or indirectly influencesprings,artesianwells andtheir associatedmarsh-
lands andoufflows.
4.1 Maintain quality and quantity of subsurfacewaters. Refugiaare I)eededto protect listed
fishesuntil recoverycanbegin in Mexico. This wasaccomplishedin part by establishingtheSan
28
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR For refugiato succeed,however,both sub-surfaceand surface
watersmustbe protectedfrom contaminationand depletion. Sub-surfaceflow presumablyde-
rives from anow-undefinedrechargeareanorth of refuge lands. The recharge/aquiferareaand
sizeshould beinvestigatedassoonaspossible,andamasterplan incorporatingconservationprin-
ciplesto ensurewaterquality andquantityshouldbe developedandimplementedassoonasthe
recharge/aquiferareais delineated. In themeantime:
4.1.1 Properor enhancedland-usepracticesshouldbe appliedthroughoutthe
presumedrechargeareas,aswell asthroughoutthewatershed;
4.1.2 developmentsuchasmining or irrigated agriculturethatmight influencedepletionor
quality ofwatershould beavoided;and
4.1.3 agreementsamong Federal, State and private landowners should be forged to ensure
maintenanceof quality of infiltrated water during and following the recharge/aquifer
identification period.
4.2 Work with water-usersand appropriateagenciesto prevent overuseof water. The San
BernardinoNWR andMexicanagriculturistsarecurrently usingthesameaquifer,which feeds
theNWR systemof artesianwells. Effectsof high-volumepumpingin Mexico havealready
been detected(San Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR files). Negotiations should be started
immediatelyto preventor amelioratecompetitivewater-usesthat influencewaterflows on the
SanBernardinoNWR (see1.1 and4.1, above).
4.3 Acquisition of instream-flow water-rights should be pursued where possible to protect
existing streamflows from developmentor other competingactivities that influencewater flows
on theSanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR(see1.1 and4.1, above). Acquisitionof instream-
flow water-rightswould help to maintain historic dischargesand provideperennialfish habitats.
4.4 Protection and acquisition ofhabitats and waters are essentialfor long-term survival.
29
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Ecosystemssupportingthe listed speciesin the USA are small and vulnerable to disruption,
especiallythroughwaterwithdrawalor introductionsof non-indigeneousspecies. Protectionand
expansionof their habitatsarethus imperative. Conservationagreements,habitatmanagement
plans and managementeasementsshould be pursuedand implemented, thereby creating
partnershipswith private landownersandotheragencies.Areasfor possibleacquisitionshould
be identifiedandpurchasedas they becomeavailablefrom willing sellers.
5.0 Aues~habitatsfor reintroductionand reestablishthespeciesof concernwithin appropriate
habitats in historic ranges.
5.1 Identif~’ areas for possiblereestablishmentof speciesof concern. Potential reintroduction
siteswithin the historic rangesshouldbe identified, andagreementsnegotiated(see4.3, above)
to implementreestablishmentof fishesof concern (Williams et al. 1988). For example,for
Guzmanbeautiful shinerand Yaqui catfish, parts of the MimbresRiver watershedshouldbe
considered,areachof which is alreadyownedby NMDGF. Otherpublic or private landswith
willing landownersshouldbe lookedat alongtheMimbres.Permanentcattle-wateringtanksand
other such habitats in the Mimbres River and Sulphur Springs watershedsshould also be
considered.
5.2 Developculture techniquesandeffect reintroductionsfor Yaqui catfish.
5.2.1 Develop breedingprotocol to ensure all available captive adults contribute to
productionof progenyto be usedfor restorationefforts. Producefish of sufficient size,
number,and geneticquality requiredfor recovery.
5.2.2 Determinefish size, time or year, stockingdensities,and otherfactors required to
enhancesurvival and improvechancesfor contributionof stockedfish to re-coveryof the
species.
5.2.3 Stockinto suitablehabitatsasneededandmonitor reintroductionefforts.
30
— Yaciul Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
5.3 Stockingof otherspeciesof concernshouldproceedas habitats,appropriatenumbers of
individuals and sufficient biological information becomeavailable,to maximizepopulationsizes
and dispersion into a number of separated stocks. Replicate stocks are necessary to buffer against
unforseen disasters; the limited habitat available for Yaqui fishes in the USAmakes suchan
event far more probable than with species managed over broader geographic areas. Routine
monitoring protocols should be developedand implementedin concertwith 5.2.3, above.
5.4 Work with public agencies and private landowners to manageexisting and reintroduced
populations of species of concern. Managementagreements(see4.3, above)shouldbe pursued
to allow reestablishmentof listed speciesinto historic habitatson private lands.Agreements
should provide basic protection for the fishes, access to sites and management rights to improve
or enhance sites, and eradicate and exclude non-native fishes. Such agreementsshould be
negotiated to have positive impacts on landowners and their operations. All projectsconsidered
by federal agencieswhich potentially impactfishesof concernor their habitatsshouldcomply
with existing lawsand regulations.
6.0 Develop information and educationprogramsfor all species,their habitatsand the
ecosystem(s)upon which they depend.
6.1 Developcomprehensiveprogramsof informationand education. Information and education
programsshouldhighlight theplight of listed fishes,their valueas partofthe heritageof natural
biodiversityof theUSA andMexico, and their role as indicatorsof environmentalquality and
indicesof ecosystemhealth.
6.2 Insurebroaddisseminationof information. Programinformation shouldbe designedto give
thepublic a betterunderstandingof the fishesof concernandwidely disseminatedat local, state,
national and international levels. Special provisions should be made for production and
disseminationin Mexico of Spanish-languageversionsof all appropriateprogrammaterials.
6.3 Archives of published and unpublished materials relevant to aquatic organismsand aquatic
31
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December_1994
habitats of concern should be established and maintained at permanent depositoriesincluding San
Bernardino/LeslieCanyonNWR.
32
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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34
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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35
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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36
Yaaui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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37
YacTui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
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NewMexico StateGameCommission.1974. NewMexico Wildlife ConservationAct. New MexicoStateLegislature,SantaFe
Propst,D.L. & J. Stefferud.1994. Distribution andstatusofChihuahuachub(Teleostei,Cyprinidae:Gila nigrescens),with noteson its ecologyand associatedspecies. SW Nat. 39:224-235.
Regan,C.T. 196-08. Pisces. In, Biologia Centrali-AmericanaVIII.
Robins, C.R., eta). 1991. Common and scientific namesof fishesfrom the United StatesandCanada,Fifth Edition, 1991. Spec.Publ. 20, Amer. Fish. Soc.,Bethesda,MD.
Rogers,B.D. 1975.Fishdistributionin theMimbresRiver, New Mexico. Rept.NMDGF, SantaFe.
Rosen,P. & C. Schwalbe. in press. Bullfrogs: Introducedpredatorsin southwesternwetlands.Our Living Resources1994. National Biological Survey.Washington,DC. ED., G.S.Farris.
Rutter, C. 1896.Noteson the fresh waterfishesof thePacific slope ofNorth America. Proc.CAAcad. Sci. 6:245-267.
38
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
Schoenherr,A.A. 1973. Life history ofthe topminnow Poeciiopsisoccidentalis(Baird & Girard)in Arizona and an analysisofits interaction with the mosquitofish Gambusiaaffinis (Baird &Girard). Ph.D. Dissertat., AZSU, Tempe.
_____ 1977. Density dependentand density independentregulationof reproductionin the Gilatopininnow,Poeciliopsisoccidentalis(Baird & Girard). Ecology58:438-444.
SEDESOL(Secretariade Desarrollo Social). 1994.NORMA Oficial MexicanaNOM-059-ECOL-1994,quedeterminalas especiesy subespeciesde flora y faunasylvestresterrestresy acuaticasenpeligro de extinction, amenazadas,raras y las sujetasa proteccion especial, y que estableceespecificacionespamsu proteccion. Diaro Oficial, Lunes16 de Mayo de 1994,CDXXXVIII(10):2-60.
Silvey, W. 1975. Fishesof Leslie Creek,CochiseCounty, Arizona. Statewide Fish. Invest.:StatewideSurv.Aquat. Res.,JobProg.Rept.,Fed.Aid Fish Restor.Act Proj. F-7-R-17,JobVI, Seg.2, continuing.AZ GameFishDept.,Phoenix.
Sims, J.K. & K.M. Simms.1992. Whatconstitutesquality habitatfor Gila topminnow(Poeciliopsisoccidentalis)?An overviewof habitatparameterssupportinga robustpopulationatCienegaCreek,PimaCo., Arizona. Proc.Des. Fish.Counc.22(1991):82(abstr.).
Smith,M.L. & R.R. Miller. 1986. The evolutionof theRio Grandebasinas inferred from its fishfauna. Pp.457-486,In, Zoogeographyof North AmericanFreshwaterFishes,eds.,C.H. Hocutt& E.O. Wiley. Wiley & Sons,New York.
Snyder,J.O. 1915. Noteson acollectionoffishesmadeby Dr. EdgarA. Mearnsfrom rivers tributaryto theGulf of California. Proc.US Nat. Mus.9:573-586.
Sublette,J.E., M.D. Hatch, & M. Sublette.1990. TheFishesof New Mexico. Univ. NM Press,Albuquerque.
Suckling,K. 1993. Petitionto list theHuachucawaterUmbell, Lilaeopsisschaffnerianasubspeciesrecurva,as a federallyendangeredspecies.GreaterGila Biodiver.Proj., End.Sp. Ser.4., SilverCity, NM.
Taylor, D.W. 1967. Freshwatermollusks collectedby the United Statesand MexicanBoundarySurveys.TheVeliger 10:152-158.
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USFWS. 1984a.Endangeredandthreatenedwildlife and plants;final rule to determinethe Yaquichub to be an endangeredspecieswith critical habitat, and to determinethe beautiful shinerandYaqui catfish to be threatenedspecieswith critical habitat.Fed.Reg. 49(171):34490-34497.
39
Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan December 1994
_____ 1984b. Recovery Plan for the Sonoran Topminnow (including Gila topminnow and Yaquitopminnow.USEWS, Albuquerque,NM.
_____ 1987. ManagementPlan for the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona.USFWS, Albuquerque,NM.
_____ 1990. Recoveryplan for the endangeredand threatenedspeciesof Ash Meadows,Nevada.USFWS,Portland,OR.
_____ 1994a. Endangeredand ThreatenedWildlife and Plants. USEWSInform. ResourceManag.Lib. Serv.,Washington,DC, Internet E-mail [email protected].
_____ 1994b.ComprehensiveManagementPlanfor theSanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNationalWildlife Refuge. USFWS,Albuquerque.
Varela-Romero,A., J. Campoy-Favela,& LourdesJuArez-Romero.1992.Fishesof therios Mayo andFuerteBasins,Sonoraand Sinaloa,Mexico (Los Pecesde las Cuencasde los rios Mayo y Fuerte,Sonoray Sinaloa,Mexico). Proc.Des.Fish.Counc.22(1990):70-71(abstr.).
Vrijenhoek,R.J.,M.E. Douglas,& G.K. Meffe. 1985.Conservationgeneticsof endangeredfishpopulationsin Arizona. Science229:400-402.
Wagoner,J.J. 1960. Overstockingthe rangesin southernArizona during the 1870’s and 1880’s.Arizoniana2:23-27.
Warren,P1.,eta!. 1991. Statusreport:Lilaeopsisschaifflerianasubspeciesrecuri’a. TNC (AZ)Final Rep.,USFWS,Phoenix.
Weigel,D.D & RJ. Olding. 1976. Environmentalassessment,proposedLeslieCanyonLake.Plan.Eval. Br., AZGFD, Phoenix.
Williams, J.E.,et a!. 1988. AmericanFisheriesSocietyguidelinesfor introductionsof threatenedandendangeredfishes.Fisheries(Bethesda,MD) 13:5-11.
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40
Yaaui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
Ill - IMPLEMENTATIONSCHEDULE
The foilowmg implementationscheduleoutlines actionsandcosts for theYaqui fishes recoveiy
program. It is a guidefor meetingtheobjectivesdiscussedin PartII ofthePlan. Thescheduleindicatestask
priorities,tasknumbers,taskdescriptions,durationoftasks,responsibleagencies,andestimatedcosts. These
actions,whenaccomplished,shouldbring aboutthe recoveryof Yaqui fishesandprotecttheirhabitat. It
shouldbe notedthatestimatedmonetaryneedsfor all partiesinvolvedin recoveryareidentifiedfor thefirst
threeyearsonly, and thereforearenot reflectiveof total recoverycosts. Costsare estimatedto assistin
plaiinmg. This recoveryplandoesnotobligateanyinvolvedagencyto expendtheestimatedfunds. Though
workwith privatelandownersis calledfor in theplan, landownersarenotobligatedto expendanyflmds.
Definition of Priorities
Priority 1 - Thoseactionsthat are absolutelyessentialto preventtheextinction of the speciesin the
foreseeablefuture.
Priority2- Thoseactionsnecessaryto maintainthespecies’currentpopulationstatus.
Priority3- All otheractionsnecessaryto providefor full recoveryofthespecies.
AgencyAbbreviations
FWS = USD1 FishandWildlife ServiceES - EcologicalServicesFR-FisheryResourcesProgramRW- RefugesandWildlife Program
AZGFD = ArizonaGameandFishDepartmentCES = CentroEcologicode SonoraADWR = ArizonaDepartmentofWaterResourcesAZSLD = ArizonaStateLandDepartmentBLM BureauofLandManagementUSGS = UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyNMDGF = NewMexicoDepartmentofGameandFish
41
parr iii - flWI~~ThTI00 E~Lu
GALcAriny
(13px,axu varr
(2)
U
USES
(3)
P
PRIORITYS(4)
T
TASK
(53
3E351315 ~TDIE
DIElOR P00ON(5) (Sa)
a
alUm(7)
VIBc~L YR O~fff3(TDU)
ms FY95 ,yg~(3)
~emfg(9)
Pursue agr.t3 and deve1~t ofmanaginnt plan. for imig-termmurwival of fiuhas of concern inNexico.
1.1 1 ~oing 2 — 15USD 5,000 5.006 5.000
Develop and inglmnt cooperativeuaqinnt_plans.
Determine aquifer recharge zowe,capacities and ccsufiguration. andcharacteriutic. of sub-murface flow.
1.2 2 Ongoing 2 33 hUED 5,000 5,000 5,000
2.1 3 3 yrs 2 — 11USD 50.000
Protect watershed and aquifer 2.2 1 Ongoing 2 33/35 lauDNW
u~own t~e unbsoun
Determine sltS of water required tointain listed species at San
Dernardino/Lealie CanyonNUn.
2.3 2 3 yr. 2 Ru 5.000 5.000 5,000
Deyiae and contimie isplinntation ofRefuge_Neater_Plan.
Develop water-use plan for SanBernardino/Leslie_Canyon_535
2.4 3 1 yr 2 1,000
2.4.1 2 2
Develop innageinnt plan for eachspecies of Cowoern.
2.4.2. 3 Ongoing 2 Ru/in AmP—
5.000 5.000 5.000
Develop and iq,linnt geneticmitoring plans and schedule. for
each species.
2.4.3 2 Ongoing 2 33/1K hUED—
10.000 10.000 10.000 Gintic litoringschedule set upevery 5 yearsaftar baseline
Develop or enhancenew and existinghabitats, umdtor successof habitatmanagnt.
2.5 2 Ongoing 2 RU 12USD—
10.000 10.000 10.000
Eradicate and secure againstreinvasion of new introduction. ofnon-indigenous species.
2.5 1 Ongoing 2 nw/uS/In AmP—
10.000 10,000 10.000
Examine and doc~nt life histories. 3.1 2 5 yra 2 Ru/FR NEDNW
15,000 15.000 15.000
Determine iq,acts of intra- andInterspecific interactions in habitatsoccupied by c~inationa of species.
3.2 3 5 yra 2 RU/SR 11USDN~GF
3.000 0.000 5,000
Determine habitat requirinnts andhabitat utilization.
3.3 3 3 yrs 2 Ru/FR A1UPDNEGF
10.000 10.000 10,000
Determine • and delineate geneticcc~osition of existing populations.
3.4 1 3 yr. 2 33/1K 12USD—
(ED
6,000 3.000 5.000
ISmitor health of fish populations andoccupied habitats.
3.5 2 Ongoing 2 33/FR hUED 2.000 2,000 2,000
Naintain levels and quality ofsubsurface waters.
4.1 1 ~oing 2 Ru/SR AU2SDINScNW
5.000 5.000 5,000
Apply proper or enhanced land-rnpractice..
4.1.1 2 2
~1ude developsent such asmining orirrigated agriculture.
4.1.2 2 ~oing 2 nw/Ru
Forge agreinnts to assure aquiferwater quality.
4.1.3 1 Ongoing 2 Ru/us 1.000 1,000 1,000
~ith water uaera and appropriate
~s and individuals to prevent
of water f row essential
4.2 1 Ongoing 7
1
au/un IN~ 1.500 1.500 1,500
TASK PRIORITY TASK3 9 00R~IOR(3) (4) (5)
PART III - IM ~TIOMScHuD!JLu
2
2
2
ArnolD—
ANolD—
ArnolDtUniSDL.
NW
Ontain Inatrem flow water-rightsfor sufficient water to maintainsurface flows in watercourse.isportant to recovery.
4.3
4.4
5.1
3
3
3
Ongoing
2 yrs
33
Ru/FR
nsknoun
5.000
unbaown
5.000
unknown
5.000
Acquire and protect or protectthrough conservationagreeints andhabitat mnagnt plans theessential water. andhabitats neededfor long-term survival of fishes ofconcern.
Identify areas for possiblereintroductions.
Develop culture techniques for Yaqui
catfish.
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
3
3
3
3
Ongoing
~
3 yrs
Ongoing
2 FR/Ru AZolD
—
AIlEDNW
5.000
3,500
4.500
5.000
5.000
3,500
4,500
5.000
5.000
3.500
4,500
5.000
Develop breeding protocol. 2
2
2
FR/Ru
FR/Ru
Ru/SR
Determine fish size, time of yearand stocking densities required toensure survival.
Stock and initor success ofreintroductions.
Reintroduce, reestablish and enoitorpopulations of other species ofconcern.
5.3
5.4
6.1
6.2
6.3
3
3
3
3
3
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
1 yr
2
2
2
2
2
Ru/FR
33/FR/RU
A1USDN~F
AZGSDNW
5.000
3.000
5,000
3,000
3,500
1.000
5.000
3.000
3.500
1,000
Bork with public agencies andprivate landowners to manageexisting and reintroducedpopulations of fishes of concern.
Develop c~rehensive prugrem ofinformation and education.
Ru
Ru
AZOSDNW
AZOSDN300F
3,500
Insure broad disseuination ofinformation in both English andBpanish.
1.000
Ratablish end maintain archives ofpublished and unpublished materialsrelevant to aquatic organim andaquatic habitats of concern inpermanent depositories.
33 A1USDNOXOF
1,000
= = —-=
REx. ~f ma JinC!PIE
133100 P30005K(6) (Ga)
mm(7)
FY94(3)
GRUERALCa7330RY
(1)P01.11 TASK
(2)
FIR~AL TRUR OKIRI—)
FY95 Fr,’ -FR(9)
Yaaui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
Appendix
Summaryof CommentsReceivedon theYaqui FishesRecoveryPlan
On June7, 1994, a FederalRegisternotice announcedthat the draft RecoveryPlan for the
EndangeredandThreatenedFishesof theRio Yaqui wasavailablefor public review. The U.S. Fishand
Wildlife Service(Service)acceptedcommentson thedraft planbetweenJune7, 1994, andAugust8, 1994.
The commentperiodwasthenextendedfor an additionalsixty daysandendedOctober7, 1994. A notice
wasalso enteredin theDouglasDispatch,adaily paperin Douglas,Arizona. The draft recoveryplanwas
distributed to 38 agencies and individuals. Comments were received from private landowners, Cochise
County, AZ and from several state and federal agencies.
All comments were considered when revising the draft plan. The Service appreciates the time
eachof thecommentorstook to review thedraft and to submittheir comments.
The commentsdiscussedbelow representacompositeofthosereceivedprior to thecloseofthe
public commentperiod. Commentsof a similar natureare groupedtogether. Substantivecommentsthat
questionapproach,methodology,or finacial needscalledfor in thedraft plan,or suggestchangesto the
plan are discussedhere. Commentsregarding simple editorial suggestions,suchas betterwording,
measuringunit equivalency,or spelling andpunctuationchanges,were incorporatedas appropriatewithout
discussionhere.
All commentsreceivedare retained as part of the Administrative Record of recoveryplan
developmentin theSanBernardino/LeslieCanyonNational Wildlife RefugeOffice, Douglas,Arizona.
Comment1: ConcernedtheServiceworking throughprivateorganizations,individuals,andgovernment
agenciesto addresswater problemsin Mexico which effect the aquifer.
ServiceResponse1: The Serviceis readyto work with any individual or group, suchastheMalpai
BorderlandsGroup,TheNatureConservancy,or othersto try to find solutionsto waterproblems
44
Yaaui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
on both sidesofthe border. In additionto working with federal, stateandMexicanagenciesand
groups,theServiceis willing to work with interestedpartiesin finding a solution to this and
otherproblemswhicheffect the resourcesof the refuges.
Comment2: Obtainingan instreamflow right for Black Draw is not practicalor needed.
ServiceResponse2: The Servicefeelsthat protectionof watersuppliesis critical to maintaining
thesefisheson the refuge. However,due to thenatureof Black Draw and the fact that thereis
surfaceflow in thecreekfor only 5-6 monthsof the year, instreamflow rights areprobablynot
practicalor obtainable. Instreamflow rights would not affect existing waterrights andwould
makeleavingthewater in thestreambed a legal use.
Comment3: Establishinghatcherystructureson the refuge for all listed fish.
Service ResDonse3: The Service feels that there is no need to establishhatchery structuresfor
thefish. DexterNationalFishHatcheryandTechnologycenteris currently involved with trying
to propagatetheYaqui catfish. The expertiseand facilities are alreadyin place in Dexterto do
the researchneededon thesefish. Naturally reproducingpopulationsunderwild conditionsare
preferableto hatcheryproducedfish. All the speciescurrentlyon the refugehavereproducing
populationsin numbersthat shouldpreventgeneticproblems. The aim of the recoveryplan is
to havenaturallyreproducingpopulationsandhatcheryrearingof anyof thesefish would be a
lastditch effort to preventextinction.
Comment4: Making agreements,and working with, private groupsand individuals to reintroduce
Yaqui fishesasopposedto acquiring land to accomplishthis.
Service Response4: The Service agrees that working with private groups and individuals will
be importantto the recoveryand survival of thesefishes. The Servicehasworkedwith, and
will continueto work closelywith individuals andgroupsfor the benefitof thesefishes. Groups
suchas the Malpai BorderlandsGroup andtheir commitmentto preservingopen spaceand
45
Yaaui Fishes RecoveryPlan December1994
improving thehabitatin the SanBernardinoValley will benefit the refugeandthe Yaqui fishes.
Land acquisitionfrom willing sellers is anothertool that can be usedto benefit thesespecies.
Acquisition of the San Bernardino/LeslieCanyon NWR’s has allowedthe endangeredfish
populationsto increasefrom nearextinction andmadepossiblethe reintroductionof the beautiful
shinerinto the fish faunaof Arizona.
Comment 5: How recovery actions impact on public accessto refuges and private lands which
containcritical habitatfor thesespecies.
Service Resnonse5: The only critical habitatdesignationis madeon aquatic habitatson the San
BernardinoNationalWildlife Refuge. No designatedcritical habitat is locatedon private land.
Publicaccessto private lands is determinedby the private land owner. Even if their property
containsYaqui fishesthe private landownerwill still determineaccessto their own land. There
is currently limited public accessto SanBernardinoNWR andrecoveryactionswill not restrict
it. UnderStep6 oftherecoveryplan, the refugewill play amajor role in educatingthepublic
aboutthe imperiledYaqui fishesand thiswill mostlybe carriedout on the SanBernardinoNWR.
Comment 6: Will Service maintain dialogue with local landownersand user groupswho may
be impactedby Recoveryactions?
Service Reponse6: Yes. The Servicecurrently works with landownersthat have Yaqui fishes
on theirpropertyandwill continueto work with landownerson Recoveryitems. Oneof thekeys
to recoveryof thesefishes is working with local landownersand agenciesin a cooperative
manner.
Comment7: What is the critical habitat for Yaqui chub, Yaqui catfish, beautiful shiner,and Yaqui
topminnow?
46
Yaaui FishesRecoveryPlan December1994
Service Res~nse7: For chub, shiner, and catfish, the listed critical habitat is all aquatichabitats
on the San BernardinoNational Wildlife Refuge. No listed critical habitat for the Yaqui
topminnow.
Comment8: Hasmining playeda role in the disappearanceof thesefish? Is mining aproblem?
ServiceResDonse8: Impactsfrom mining havehaddetrimentaleffectson the Yaqui fishes.
Groundwaterpumping for smelting operationshave resulted in reducedhabitat for these
fishes. In the USA portion of the range,mining currently hasminimal impacts. However,
the areain which thesefishesoccurhasa rich mineralhistory andmining is a potential threat
to thesesmall habitats.
Comment9: Thereis speculationthat theMimbresRiver cannotsupportGuzmanbeautifulshinerdue
to habitatalterationsover the last 100 yearsandtheestablishmentof longfin dacein the river.
ServiceResponse9: Populationsre-establishedon the San BernardinoNWRare in modified habitatsand
haveadaptedwell. The shiner shouldbe ableto establishdependingon whetheror not exotic
fishesandwhat kind of exotic fishesarepresent. It is not known what the interactionsof the
longfin daceandthe shinerwould be. In surveysdone in the fall of 1994 on the Rio Bavispein
Sonora,Arizona Game& Fish andFish& Wildlife Servicepersonnelfrequentlyfound longfin
daceandbeautiful shinerin thesameriver reaches.
Comment10: Are thereanystudiesthat canbeusedto direct habitatimprovements?
Service Resoonse10: The Service is currently funding a study on habitat utilization by Yaqui
fishes. This will help direct habitat improvementprojectsalthoughmoreresearchis neededon
all aspectsof thesefisheslife historiesandhabitatpreferences.
Comment II: Is thereany informationon the relationshipbetweenprecipitationand replenishmentof
the aquifer?
47
Yaqui FishesRecoveryPlan December 1994
ServiceResDonse11: No. The Serviceis funding astudyof the aquifer to gatherbasic informationas
to the extentandcapacitiesof the aquifer.
48