The Nature The Nature Conservancy conservancy 300 East University Boulevard, Suite 230, Tucson, Arizona 85705 (602) 622-3861

Memorandum

To: Dan Campbell

From: Peter Warren

Re: Arizona native fishes

Date: 26 August 1987

Here is some general information about the status oi native fish in Arizona and the Arizona Nature Conservancy's role in protecting threatened native fish.

The pre-settlement fish fauna of Arizona consisted of 31 species of freshwater fish. Through introduction of exotic species, the number of resident fish in Arizona is now over 100 species. Many of the exotic species are either predatory upon or in competition with native species. A combination of introduced exotic species and loss of perennial stream habitat has sharply reduced the number and size of native fish populations.

Of the 31 original native fish, one is extinct and four are extirpated in Arizona. Approximately half of the remaining native fish are currently listed or proposed for listing as Threatened or Endangered. Although recovery measures are being undertaken, the future of several of the endangered fish is by no means secure. For example, Woundfin survives only in a small part of the and its small population could be easily destroyed. Major losses of native fish populations continue to occur. We have Just learned that all of the Mexican populations of Desert Pupfish in the delta were apparently destroyed during the last three years due to introduction of Tilapia into the populations by floodwaters of 1983.

The single most important factor in protecting the remaining native fish populations is preservation of habitat and insuring stable stream flows. In many situations this is a realistic goal because, due to historical land ownership patterns, most perennial streams are in private ownership and the potential exists for acquisition and protection.

The Arizona Nature Conservancy has been responsible for protecting a number of key wetlands that support populations of threatened native fish. These are summarized here in three categories: 1) Preserves that TANC has retained ownership and manages, 2)Preserves that TANC acquired and transfered to other management, and 3) Potential preserves for which TANC is currently exploring acquisition and protection alternatives. Site Name Fish species protected

Preserves retained in TANC ownership:

Muleshoe Ranch Gila Chub

Sonoita Creek Gila Topminnow

Canelo Cienega Gila Topminnow

Hassayampa River Woundfin - Potential reintroduction; Colorado Squawfish, Bonytail chub - Coop with USFWS for nursery in Palm Lake

Preserves transferred to other management:

Aravaipa Creek Spikedace, Loachminnow, (Defenders of Wildlife) Round-tailed Chub

San Bernardino Ranch Yaqui Topminnow, Yaqui Chub (U.S. Fish and Wildlife) Yaqui Sucker, Yaqui Catfish

Leslie Creek Yaqui Topminnow, Yaqui Chub, (U.S. Fish and Wildlife) Mexican Stoneroller,

Potential Preserves under Investigation:

Chevelon Creek Little Colorado Spinedace Little Colorado Sucker

Eagle Creek Spikedace

San Rafael Valley springs Gila Topminnow

Babocomari Cienega Gila Chub, Gila Topminnow

Virgin River Woundfin, Virgin River Round-tailed Chub, Virgin River Spinedace

Cienega Creek Gila Topminnow, Gila Chub