Translocation As a Tool for Conserving Imperiled Fishes: Experiences in Western United States
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Biological Conservation 72 (1995) 297-.309 © 1995 Elsevier Science Limited Printed in Great Britain. All rights reserved 0006-3207/95/$09.50+.00 ELSEVIER 0006-3207(94)00091-3 TRANSLOCATION AS A TOOL FOR CONSERVING IMPERILED FISHES: EXPERIENCES IN WESTERN UNITED STATES W. L. Minckley Department of Zoology and Center for Environmental Studies, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1501, USA Abstract Destruction and alteration of aquatic habitats have Conservation efforts for imperiled fishes in western been substantial. Fifty federal dams were already built United States have included numerous translocations, in the region by 1930, and ~1000 more, the largest capa- either among natural localities or from nature to propa- ble of massive power generation, were constructed from gation facilities then back into nature. The goal has been 1930 to 1980 (Reisner & Bates, 1990). Where local sur- to increase population size and dispersion while maintain- face water was inadequate, interbasin transfers of water ing genetic diversity, thus increasing probability of sur- were made or ground water was pumped, the latter often vival Environmental laws governing translocations of far in excess of recharge potential (Fradkin, 1984; Reis- fishes for conservation purposes involve complexities ner, 1986). Water tables declined, resulting in the failure often equally as difficult to cope with as the biological of springs and reductions in reliability of surface flow. problems of species' endangerment. Translocations per- In addition to changes in physical habitat, which, ceived not to impinge on resource use or proprietary other than total desiccation, might well have been with- rights may be readily approved, while those which inter- stood by this highly resilient stream-adapted fauna, fere with actual or projected development may meet native western fishes are increasingly subject to interac- strong resistance. Major biological considerations include tions with non-native species (Moyle et al., 1986; the suitability and security of transplant sites (assur- Minckley, 1991). More surface water exists today than ances that each meets a taxon's life-history and other in the recent past, in the form of artificial ponds, reser- requirements) and appropriateness of transplanted indi- voirs, canals and aqueducts. Alien fishes are enhanced viduals (genetic' and population structure, sufficient num- in these mostly lentic artificial systems, from which bers of individuals, freedom from disease, etc.) for they invade or are stocked into remnant natural establishing new populations. Success of translocation is streams and springs to prey upon, compete with and difficult to define and major inadequacies exist in infor- ultimately replace the indigenous biota. mation exchange -- the latter can be remedied by publi- Efforts in conservation of western fishes commenced cation in the peer-reviewed literature. It is anticipated in earnest after enactment and implementation of fed- that fish translocations and the technology required to eral legislation, especially the Endangered Species support them will expand along with future needs and Preservation Act of 1966 which evolved into the En- desires to re-establish native biotic elements in depleted dangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. Legal protection communities and ecosystems. of imperiled fishes thus began in the 1960s (Minckley et aL, 1991a). Conservation efforts since that time have Keywords: conservation, translocation, United States, included alterations in water use to enhance imperiled fish. aquatic systems and native aquatic taxa and the setting aside of aquatic reserves (Williams, 1991). Another strategy has been to establish new populations through INTRODUCTION translocation from a jeopardized habitat to more The indigenous freshwater fish fauna of western North secure places, with the goal of increasing population America is declining at an alarming rate (Minckley & size and dispersion of imperiled species. The present Douglas, 1991; Mayden, 1992). Natural faunal reduc- contribution relates some experiences with transloca- tions through fluctuating but ever-intensifying aridity tion as a tool in the conservation of freshwater fishes in over geologic time (Minckley et al., 1986) have acceler- western United States, reports on some of the political ated drastically due to human development of regional and biological problems encountered, and deals with a water resources. At least 20 fish species have become few theoretical issues. Some tentative guidelines for extinct in the region in the past century (Miller et al., translocation proposed by Williams et al. (1988) were 1989) and ~120 of the remaining 200 taxa are of special used as an outline (Table 1), concern (Williams et al., 1989). Most are in three groups, cyprinoids (minnows and suckers), salmonids Definitions (trouts and salmons), and cyprinodontoids (livebearers, Unless otherwise noted, taxon, species and population killifishes and allies). are used interchangeably since conservation efforts may 297 298 IV. L. Minckley Table 1. Some guidelines for transplantation of fishes for con- SELECTING TRANSLOCATION SITES servation purposes, modified and paraphrased from Williams et al. (1988) Location and authorization Most planned transplants of imperiled fishes are re- (1) Select a transplantation site: stricted to within their native ranges, largely due to the (a) within the native range whenever possible; notion that a taxon interacting ecologically, genetically (b) in an authorized place, where and physically within its natural environs is less likely (c) life-history requirements are fulfilled, to create problems than it would in a new habitat. (d) sufficient habitat can support a viable population, (e) potential for dispersal is restricted and/or acceptable, Some cases of illicit or accidental transplants outside a (f) possibilities of hybridizations are minimal or species' range have resulted in explosive invasions to non-existent, the detriment of natives. Spread of the non-native (g) other rare or endemic taxa will not be adversely cyprinids Cyprinella lutrensis, Hybognathus placitus, affected, and and Notropis girardi in streams west of the continental (h) the population is protected and secure. divide was accompanied by dramatic declines in native (2) Conduct transplantation with an appropriate stock of: minnows (Hatch et al., 1985; Bestgen et al., 1989; Dou- (a) sufficient numbers and character (genetics, size/age glas et al., 1994). The sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon distribution, sex ratio, etc.); variegatus introduced in Texas and New Mexico has (b) known taxonomy and represented by sufficient voucher specimens; and hybridized extensively with native Pecos pupfish C. (c) free of pathogens and disease. pecosensis (Echelle & Conner, 1989), and mosquitofish (d) Transport subjects carefully and quickly, and Gambusia affinis widely stocked for pestiferous insect (e) introduce under favourable conditions. control (Courtenay & Merle, 1989), feed voraciously on and replace native topminnows Poeciliopsis spp. (Merle (3) Follow with: (a) systematic monitoring; et al., 1982; Meffe, 1985). (b) restocking if necessary or warranted; Once a taxon seems to qualify for translocation and (c) determination of causes of failure(s); and an area has been selected, attaining consensus on (1) (d) thorough documentation of the entire program in the necessity for translocation and (2) site selection has peer-reviewed literature. become the most complex step in transplanting a taxon. A diversity of governmental and non-govern- be directed at any definable entity. Translocation and mental hurdles must be negotiated before any action. transplantation are used as synonyms to describe any Even when a conservation objective is common to all, movement of a taxon from one place to another. which is not often the case, different management units Stocking is the physical act of putting an organism in a have conflicting mandates and goals. Also, govern- new place. Hendrickson and Brooks (1991) are fol- mental agencies embrace conservation legislation with lowed in defining two types of stockings: (1) sites inside varying degrees of enthusiasm and resolve (Johnson, (= reintroductions) and (2) outside (= introductions) a 1980, 1985, 1987; Johnson & Rinne, 1982; Deacon & species' native range. The term site refers to a point of Minckley, 1991). stocking in the broadest sense, varying from a habitat The ESA was amended in 1982 (US Fish & Wildlife to a drainage. Native range refers to the geographic Service [USFWS], 1984a) to recognize an 'experimen- area occupied by an entity before human intervention, tal' category for translocated populations. The original including interconnecting waters where it reasonably intent was to relax controls to expedite research, but occurred. supplemental provisions of 'experimental, essential' and Preservation is the prevention of extinction, a first 'experimental, non-essential' were added due to politi- step in any conservation effort. Maintenance of evolu- cal pressure. An 'essential' transplant enjoys protection tionary potential, 'the re-establishment of a population of the ESA, and any action that either adversely or size, dispersion, and structure that will [over the long- beneficially influences the taxon requires USFWS con- term] define itself by allowing an organism to proceed sultation and concurrence. Conversely, the 'non-essen- along independent evolutionary pathways comparable tial' category waives most protection given by the