Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.102785
Element CodeAFCQC04240
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNVulnerable
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderPerciformes
FamilyPercidae
GenusPercina
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.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2024-09-26
Change Date2024-09-26
Edition Date2024-09-26
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G., and R. Jennings (2012); rev. R. L. Gundy (2024)
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent5000-200,000 square km (about 2000-80,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsThis species has a limited range in the southeastern United States. It is known from approximately 11 occurrences. While restoration efforts have aided the population, the threats of siltation, chemical pollution, dams forming gene flow barriers, and climate change are ongoing.
Range Extent CommentsThis species is found in the Roanake River and Chowan River drainages in Virginia and adjacent North Carolina in the southeastern United States. Within the Roanake River drainage, it is found in Roanoke River, Big Otter River, Dan River (including tributaries Mayo River and Smith River), Goose Creek, and Pigg River (Rosenberger 2007, Roberts et al. 2009, George et al. 2010, Roberts et al. 2016b). Within the Chowan River drainage, it is found in Nottoway River (George et al. 2010, Roberts et al. 2013). Using Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF 2024) records, range extent is estimated to be 20,374 km².
Occurrences CommentsUSFWS (2024) recognized 10 discrete populations: Pigg, Otter, Middle Roanoke, Upper Smith, Middle Smith, Lower Smith, Lower Mayo, Middle Dan, and Nottoway rivers, and Goose Creek. Roberts et al. (2013) recognized 7 discrete populations: Roanoke River, Pigg River, Upper Smith River, Lower Smith River, Goose Creek, Nottoway River, and Otter River. USFWS (2007) recognized 8 discrete populations. Rosenberger (2007) recognized 6 discrete populations.
Threat Impact CommentsDecline over the long term likely resulted from reservoir creation and widespread siltation caused by land development and agricultural activities (USFWS 2007, George et al. 2010). There are eight dams preventing dispersal and genetic connectivity throughout the range (Roberts et al. 2013). The upper Roanoke River population is threatened by ongoing urbanization, industrial development, water supply and flood control projects, and agricultural runoff in the upper basin (USFWS 1991, USFWS 2007, Roberts et al. 2013, USFWS 2024). The Smith River population is threatened by operation of Philpott Dam and by continued siltation from upstream agriculture (USFWS 2007, Roberts and Angermeier 2012, Roberts et al. 2013). The creation of Smith Mountain Reservoir and Leesville Reservoir on the Pigg River have reduced immigration, resulting in low genetic diversity in that waterway (George et al. 2010, Roberts et al. 2013). Threats (mainly siltation) in the Nottoway River decreased in the early 2000s (USFWS 2007). Other populations are subject to siltation from agricultural and other human activities and to potential chemical spills. Multiple fish kill events occurred on the Roanoke River due to different pollutants (Roberts et al. 2016b). The invasive Ozark crayfish (Faxonius ozarkae) may pose a threat in the Roanoke River drainage (Foltz et al. 2022). Increased river flow from increased rainfall due to climate change is expected to reduce juvenile survival (USFWS 2024).