Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.102361
Element CodeAFCJB10010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNVulnerable
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyLeuciscidae
GenusEremichthys
Concept ReferenceRobins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 20. 183 pp.
Taxonomic CommentsThis fish is a member of a monotypic genus that is closely related to Rhinichthys (Lee et al. 1980).
Conservation Status
Rank MethodExpertise without calculation
Review Date2011-11-30
Change Date1996-09-13
Edition Date2011-11-30
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G.
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent<100 square km (less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsRestricted to a small area of thermal springs in northwestern Nevada; threats from habitat alteration have been much reduced, but the species and habitat remain vulnerable to harmful introductions of non-native species.
Range Extent CommentsThe range is restricted to thermal spring habitats in the Soldier Meadows area, western Humboldt County, northwestern Nevada, at elevations of 1,320-1,395 meters (Vinyard 1996, USFWS 1997). The occupied springs and outflow streams are contained within an area of approximately 1,550 hectares (3,830 acres) (USFWS 1997).
Occurrences CommentsAt the time the recovery plan was finalized, this fish occurred in 8 thermal spring systems, which are more or less isolated except possibly during extremely wet conditions (USFWS 1997). Two previously unreported desert dace populations were discovered in the southern area of Soldier Meadows during a November 2002 survey (USGS-BRD, unpublished data).
Threat Impact CommentsHabitat formerly was threatened by channelization and water diversion (which change thermal environment and reduce food supply) and potential geothermal and/or mineral development, but these threats have been much reduced or eliminated by recent agency management policies and designations and acquisition of a conservation easement that includes limitations on the ability of the private landowner to divert water from dace habitat. However, the potential for geothermal exploitation of the source waters for the springs feeding Soldier Meadows must be regarded as a potential long-term threat (G. L. Vinyard; www.desertfishes.org). The primary current threat is the potential for introduction of competing or predaceous non-native fish species (and parasites associated with non-native fishes).
The BLM's 2004 Final Multiple Use Decision (MUD) for the Soldier Meadows allotment and the 2003 FWS Biological Opinion on the MUD contain measures that are expected to eliminate potential threats from livestock grazing and wild horse use. These measures include fencing of the desert dace habitat and provisions for additional inventory and monitoring actions of the species and critical habitat. A plan is also being developed that would reduce the level of potential impacts to desert dace from recreation use in the area. This plan would emphasize the sensitivity of the area, direct camping and vehicle use away from the desert dace habitats, provide educational and interpretation opportunities, and increase habitat monitoring in the area. [Source: Lynch 2007]