Publication

Summary of the Biology of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, An Endangered Species in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Platania%20and%20Dudley_2003_Summary%20of%20the%20biology%20of%20RGSM%20an%20Endangered%20Species%20in%20the%20MRG%2C%20NM.pdf

Date: 2003/09/16

Author(s): Platania S.P., Dudley R.K.

Publication: Symposium on the restoration of the Rio Grande Bosque: the role of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, October 3, 2003

Abstract:

Rio Grande silvery minnow was, historically, relatively widespread and abundant in the Rio Grande Basin occurring from near Embudo, New Mexico, to the Gulf of Mexico. Studies during the past 20 years have documented the 90-95% reduction in the range of Rio Grande silvery minnow and threats to its continued persistence in its remaining range (the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico). The decline of this species throughout the basin and threats to its survival in the Middle Rio Grande resulted in the 1994 listing of this endemic minnow as a Federal Endangered Species. The restriction of Rio Grande silvery minnow to a 174 mile reach of river between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir, fragmentation of that range due to diversion dam structures (Angostura, Isleta, and San Acacia), and frequent de-watering of the river were deemed threats to the species survival. In 2003, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated a major portion (157 miles; 90%) of this species remaining range in the Middle Rio Grande as Critical Habitat.