Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.105662
Element CodeAFCQC04X30
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNNear threatened
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderPerciformes
FamilyPercidae
GenusPercina
SynonymsPercina sp. 3Percina sp. cf. macrocephela
Other Common NamesMuscadine Bridled Darter (EN)
Concept ReferenceWilliams, J. D., D. A. Neely, S. J. Walsh and N. M. Burkhead. 2007b. Three new percid fishes (Percidae: Percina) from the Mobile Basin drainage of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Zootaxa 1549:1-28.
Taxonomic CommentsOne of three undescribed species in the muscadine darter group (see Mettee et al. 1996); sometimes referred to as " Percina sp. cf. macrocephala " (e.g., Warren et al. 2000).
Conservation Status
Rank MethodExpertise without calculation
Review Date2012-04-25
Change Date2012-04-25
Edition Date2012-04-25
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G.
Threat ImpactMedium
Range Extent5000-20,000 square km (about 2000-8000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsWidely distributed in the Tallapoosa River system in Alabama and Georgia; numerous occurrences; eliminated from some areas by impoundments and possibly by competition with a non-native darter; relatively common in undisturbed streams; better information is needed on population trend.
Range Extent CommentsThis darter is restricted to but widely distributed in streams draining the region above the Fall Line in the Tallapoosa River system in eastern Alabama and western Georgia; it is absent from the upper reaches of the Little Tallapoosa River in Georgia (Mettee et al. 1996, Boschung and Mayden 2004, Williams et al. 2007, Page and Burr 2011).
Occurrences CommentsThis species is represented by a large number of occurrences (subpopulations). Williams et al. (2007) mapped 50+ collection sites; see also maps in Mettee et al. (1996) and Boschung and Mayden 2004).
Threat Impact CommentsThis darter has disappeared from disturbed streams and impoundments associated with mainstream dams on the Tallapoosa River and from most of the headwaters of the Little Tallapoosa River in Georgia (Williams et al. 2007).
In the upper reaches of the Little Tallapoosa River system, the absence of P. smithvanizi in the presence of an introduced population of P. nigrofasciata suggests possible competitive displacement (Williams et al. 2007). If competitive displacement is occurring in the Little Tallapoosa River, the population of P. smithvanizi above the backwaters of R.L. Harris Reservoir may be at risk (Williams et al. 2007).
Warren et al. (2000) categorized this species as vulnerable (may become endangered or threatened by relatively minor disturbance to its habitat or that deserves careful monitoring of its distribution and abundance). Freeman et al. (2005) also regarded it as vulnerable. Boschung and Mayden (2004) recommended "Threatened" conservation status for this species in Alabama but did not mention the basis for that recommendation.
Wieland and Ramsey (1987) stated that the ubiquitous distribution of this species in the upper Tallapoosa River system "mitigates its otherwise narrow requirements, and it is doubtful the species will become extirpated in that area."