Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande suffer from environmental degradation that has negatively impacted native fish populations and their distributions. Macrhybopsis aestivalis (speckled chub), Notropis jemezanus (Rio Grande shiner), Rhinichthys cataractae (longnose dace) and Cycleptus elongatus (blue sucker) populations appear to have suffered recent declines. Although diminished water quantity is likely an important factor in these declines, related changes in channel morphology precipitated by massive stands of Arundo donax (giant reed) and Tamarix sp. (salt cedar) may also be responsible. These invasive exotics have essentially channelized the river, disrupted normal sediment distribution and reduced shallow, low-velocity habitats. Much of the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande are devoid of sandy sediment and most riffles are now composed of gravel and cobble.
Recommended Citation
Garrett, G.P., and R.J. Edwards. 2014. Changes in fish populations in the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande. In: C.A. Hoyt & J. Karges (editors). Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Region. October 14–17. Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Fort Davis, TX. pp. 396–408.
First Page
396
Last Page
408
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Region
Comments
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