Native montane fishes of the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem: Status, threats, and conservation

Abstract

Between 1994 and 1997, research was conducted on three native, montane species of the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem, in the Carson and Santa Fe national forests. The focus of study was on abiotic and biotic factors that affected status, distribution, biology and habitat of these species. Results of study suggest negative interactions with non-native species and, secondarily, habitat loss as the main factors contributing to the decline of these three native species. An inverse relationship in relative abundance between Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brown trout, extirpation of Rio Grande sucker when in sympatry with white sucker, and predation experiments documenting brown trout as efficient predators of juveniles of all three species, document both the real and potential impact of non-native species.

Parent Publication

• Rio Grande ecosystems: linking land, water, and people: Toward a sustainable future for the Middle Rio Grande Basin

Citation

Calamusso, Bob; Rinne, John N. 1999. Native montane fishes of the Middle Rio Grande Ecosystem: Status, threats, and conservation. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Whitney, Jeffrey C.; Kelly, Jeffrey, F.; Loftin, Samuel R. Rio Grande ecosystems: linking land, water, and people: Toward a sustainable future for the Middle Rio Grande Basin. 1998 June 2-5; Albuquerque, NM. Proc. RMRS-P-7. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 321-237.