Single versus multiple species management: native fishes in Arizona

• Published in: Forest ecology and management 1999-02, Vol.114 (2), p.357-365
• Main Authors: Rinne, John N., Stefferud, Jerome A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; climatic zones; communities; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; dams; ecosystems; endangered species; environmental management; fish; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; groundwater; habitats; hydrology; introduced species; natural resource management; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; streams; topography; watersheds
• ISSN: 0378-1127; 1872-7042
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-1127(98)00366-1

The question of single vs. multiple species management of threatened and endangered fishes is discussed using examples from Arizona, where efforts to conserve native fishes have largely taken a single species, `real' approach. Such a strategy has been dictated by multiple factors including: (1) the interaction between climate and topography – interaction that legislates regional hydrology, (2) marked alteration of historic hydrology by dams, diversion, and groundwater mining, and (3) introduction of non-native species of fishes. However, opportunities for multiple and perhaps `ideal' species management must be continually embraced, despite the increased complexity of the task. In either case, conservation of native fish communities is inseparable from conservation of habitats and will require sustaining the few remaining un-dammed, free-flowing rivers in the State and managing rivers or drainage basins to incorporate (1) sustainable riparian-stream habitats and security of habitats, (2) an ecosystem, watershed or river basin approach, and (3) a cooperative (i.e. interagency), long-term, and vigilant approach.