(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
OTHER COMMON NAMES - TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN; TROUT, LITTLE KERN; TROUT, WHITE'S; TROUT, GOLDEN; TROUT, GOLDEN, SODA CREEK; GOLDEN TROUT OF SODA CREEK; TROUT, RAINBOW, KERN RIVER; TROUT OF THE MAIN KERN RIVER; TROUT OF THE LITTLE KERN RIVER; TROUT, KERN RIVER, MAIN;TROUT, KERN RIVER and LITTLE
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SALMONIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - SALMONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - SALMO,
SPECIES AND SSP - AGUABONITA, WHITEI
SCIENTIFIC NAME - SALMO AGUABONITA WHITEI
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Little Kern Golden Trout
Salmo aguabonita whitei Evermann, 1904
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Salmoniformes FAMILY: Salmonidae
Description: The Little Kern golden trout is slightly less colorful
than the golden trout of the South Fork Kern River and has a greater
number of black spots (01,02). Coloring and spotting vary
significantly within the subspecies depending on the environment
inhabited and types of food consumed. Specimens from lakes tend to
be less colorful and those held in light color hatchery troughs can
become very pale colored or lose their bright colors altogether (03).
Length: They average five to seven inches, a large specimen may
reach ten inches (01). In lakes or large streams they may grow to
sixteen inches or more (03). One specimen from Eagle Lake weighed
"a trifle over seven pounds" (06).
Body: Stout and moderately compressed, depth 3.68 inches in length,
scales are small, caudal peduncle deep. Back and upper sides light
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
olive to light brown, back and sides to just below the lateral line
with many small black spots, sides with ten to thirteen large parr
marks and lateral band of red to orange or brick to terra cotta red,
lower sides are light lemon-yellow to light brown with bluish-black
blothces that are larger anteriorly, belly is red to orange or cadmium
and sometimes yellowish anteriorly (01).
Head: Conic, length 3.22 inches in length, mouth large, oblique. Top
and upper sides light olive to light brown with small black spots,
sub-orbital pale rosy to purplish, cheek brassy or red to orange with
a large dark blotch and upper part with small black spots, opercle
red or rosy-orange below and olivaceous above with small black spots
on upper part. Sometimes with red or yellow between rami of lower jaw
(01).
Fins: Dorsal fin origin nearer to snout than to base of caudal fin,
covered with small black spots, except distal edge which has a
discontinuous black border and pink to light rosy tip anteriorly.
Adipose fin bordered with black spots. Caudal fin - covered with a
dusky overlay to reddish, bordered with white. Ventral fins -
olivaceous tinged with pink with a dusky overlay to reddish, bordered
with white on distal edge. Pectoral fins - olivaceous tinged with
pink and a dusky overlay to light yellowish (01).
Variations: Brightness and extent of coloring, number, size and
distribution of spots and body conformation vary considerably
depending on environmental conditions and food types and abundance
(01,03). Genetically pure Little Kern golden trout can easily be
confused with small rainbow trout in similar habitats.
Characteristics of hybrids between these two species integrade with
both species, making it even more difficult or impossible to visually
distinguish one from the other. Individuals claiming the ability to
identify these forms without the aid of genetic analysis must be
viewed with skepticism (03). This situation has led to confusion,
doubt and conflicts in understanding of speciation and nomenclature.
Nomenclature: B.W. Evermann first collected and described the Little
Kern golden trout in 1904, referring to it as the golden trout of Soda
Creek, synonymous with Soda Spring, or Soda Springs Creek, (Salmo
whitei). He named this species in honor of Stewart Edward White,
author of "The Blazed Trail", who visted the area in 1903 and
expressed concern for its protection (01). Ellis and Bryant in 1920
referred to this species as the Little Kern golden trout (04). In
1935, B. Curtis considered it a subspecies of the golden trout of the
South Fork Kern River and used the designation Salmo aguabonita whitei
(05). A review of existing publications in 1966 by W.R. McAfee
concluded that Curtis' subspecies name was valid and also referred to
the common name Soda Creek golden trout in addition to that used by
Ellis and Bryant (03).
Following a thorough survey of trout in the Kern River drainage
which began in 1969, C.B. Schreck considered Salmo whitei synonymous
with Salmo gairdneri gilberti, the Kern River rainbow trout. He also
hypothesized that they originated from a cutthroat-like trout of the
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
lower Colorado River with a progenitor of rainbow-cutthroat trout
hybrididation (07). R.J. Behnke in 1979, concluded that there were
only two types of trout in the Kern River drainage, Salmo aguabonita
aguabonita, the South Fork Kern River golden trout and Salmo
gairdnerii gilberti, the trout of the main Kern River and the Little
Kern River. He later suggested that the latter be named Salmo
aguabonita gilberti. Behnke, J.R. Gold, and P. Legendre agree that
the golden trout complex represents a seperate phyletic line from both
rainbow trout and cutthroat trout (08).
Other common names include Little Kern trout, White's trout,
"trout of the main Kern River", main Kern River trout, and Little
Kern river trout.
Results of genetic analysis at the University of California at
Davis, by J.R. Gold, G.A.E. Gall, and R.C. Smith beginning in 1973
verified the distinctiveness of Little Kern golden trout and that
most of the samples of Little Kern golden trout collected by Schreck
were from populations hybridized with rainbow trout (09). Gall,
M. Bannon, Smith, and B. Bentley in 1982 proposed recognition of the
Little Kern golden trout and other Kern River drainage trouts as
members of the rainbow trout complex and suggested the name
Salmo gairdnerii whitei (10).
Location of specimens: U.S. National Museum, Type Specimen Number
53065, 1904 by B.W. Evermann from South Fork Kaweah River at South
Fork Meadows; Co-types Number 53398, 1904 by Evermann, 2 specimens
from Wet Meadows Creek, U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, number 1252, 1904 by
Evermann; Stanford University, Number 9254, 1904 by Evermann;
California Academy of Sciences, Indian Museum, Numbers 1112 and 2866
(0900), 1904 by Evermann. Including those above, Evermann collected
in 1904, 10 specimens from South Fork Kaweah River at South Fork
Meadows, 3 specimens from Soda Spring Creek at Quinns Horse Camp, 5
specimens from Wet Meadows Creek, 3 specimens from the Little Kern
River near Broder Cabin and 44 specimens from Coyote Creek (01).
California Fish and Game has specimens from several locations at
their Field Station Museum and at the Kern River Fishery Base. They
have also sent specimens to California State University at Sacramento
and to the University of California at Davis for genetic analysis.
Photos of Little Kern golden trout are available from the California
Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA, and Sequoia National Forest, Three
Rivers, CA.
Taxonomy - 3 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial/consumption
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Little Kern golden trout (Salmo aguabonita whitei) has been
designated as Threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11;P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540),
as amended. The subspecies has this status wherever found including
the State of California. Critical Habitat has been designated in
the Little Kern River, main channel and all streams tributary to the
Little Kern River above barrier falls located on the Little Kern
River one mile below the mouth of Trout Meadows Creek, Tulare County,
California (50 CFR 17.95(e)).
Special rules concerning "take" for this subspecies can be found
in 50 CFR 17.44(e).
This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79,
as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or
offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection
with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection
with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20). Management practices
that would cause detrimental changes in water
temperature or composition, water course blockage,
or sediment deposits within 100 feet of the edges of
perennial streams, lakes or other bodies of water are
prohibited (36 CFR 219.27(e)).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: California
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: California Department of Fish and Game
STATE STATUTE: California Endangered Species Act; Fish and
Game Code Chapt. 1.5, Art. 1, Sec. 2050.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has a value as a former and future game species.
In the past, this species provided a source of recreation, and in
the future when the species is again safe from extirpation, it again
will serve as a recreational value. Trout in general are not only
sought after as a game species but also for their food value to
humans.
77/09/01:42 FR 43995/43997 - Proposed Threatened with Critical Habitat
78/04/13:43 FR 15427/15429 - Listed/Threatened with Critical Habitat
83/12/08:48 FR 55100/55102 - Five Year Review
85/07/22:50 FR 29900/29901 - Five Year Review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Interior Ponderosa Pine shrub--seedling
Interior Ponderosa Pine young tree
Interior Ponderosa Pine mature tree
Interior Ponderosa Pine Old Growth
young tree
mature tree
Old Growth
Lodgepole pine mature tree
Lodgepole pine Old Growth
LAND USE -
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Evergreen Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Lakes
Nonforested Wetland
Bare Exposed Rock
Strip Mines, Quarries, and Gravel Pits
Transitional Areas
Tundra Land: Shrub Brush
Tundra Land: Herbaceous
Tundra Land: Bare Ground
Snow or Ice: Perrenial Snowfields
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, intermittent UB4
Riverine, intermittent UB3
Riverine, intermittent UB2
Riverine, intermittent UB1
Riverine, intermittent SB4
4SB
Riverine, intermittent SB2
Riverine, intermittent SB1
Riverine, intermittent RS2
Riverine, intermittent RS1
Riverine, intermittent RB2
Riverine, intermittent RB1
Riverine, upper perennial UB4
Riverine, upper perennial UB3
Riverine, upper perennial UB2
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
3SB
Riverine, upper perennial SB3
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Riverine, upper perennial RS2
Riverine, upper perennial RS1
Habitat Associations - 1
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial BB2
Riverine, upper perennial BB1
Riverine, upper perennial AB1
Lacustrine, littoral UB4
Lacustrine, littoral UB3
2UB
Lacustrine, littoral RS2
Lacustrine, littoral RS1
Lacustrine, littoral RB2
Lacustrine, littoral RB1
Lacustrine, littoral EM4
Lacustrine, littoral EM3
Lacustrine, littoral BB2
Lacustrine, littoral AB4
Lacustrine, littoral AB2
Lacustrine, littoral AB1
1UB
Lacustrine, limnetic UB3
Lacustrine, limnetic UB2
Lacustrine, limnetic RB2
Lacustrine, limnetic RB1
Lacustrine, limnetic OW0
Lacustrine, limnetic AB2
Lacustrine, limnetic AB1
Palustrine OW0
Palustrine EM5
Palustrine EM3
Palustrine AB4
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Little Kern golden trout almost exclusively inhabit streams
and lakes in all life stages except spawning, egg incubation, and
alevin development which require suitable stream conditions,
substrate and flow, during spring and early summer. Palustrine areas
may be inhabited temporarily during flooding from spring snowmelt or
heavy rainstorms. Typically the streams are in coniferous forests
(ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine and/or western spruce/fir forests)
of the high mountains and vary greatly in gradient and size, up to
30 feet across. Their substrates and banks are of bedrock, boulders,
cobbles, gravel, sand, mud, and organic material. The larger
materials are dominant, but all types and combinations occur
throughout the Little Kern River drainage. Algal growths are common
during the warmer season in scattered locations throughout the
basin (02,12). These same conditions are common in most mountain
streams and account for the ease of establishing transplanted
populations.
Little Kern golden trout occurred in lakes probably because of
transplantation. Most high mountain lakes were formed by
glaciation of bedrock and are usually isolated by barriers downstream,
thus they were originally barren of fish life. The lakes of the
Little Kern River basin are small, one-half to five acres, with
extensive open water zones and substrates of bedrock, boulders, sand,
mud and organic material. Shorelines are bedrock and boulders at
higher elevations and mud and organic material at lower elevations.
Almost all have sandy beaches or bars. Algal growths occur to varying
degrees in all the lakes while submergent and emergent vascular plants
are common in the shallower lakes and those at lower elevations.
Examples of the latter are Friends Lake, North Twin Lake, South Twin
Lake, and Frog Lake (12).
Habitat Associations - 2 Activities which disturb soils or vegetation or degrade water
quality anywhere in the Little Kern River basin could adversely
effect the Little Kern golden trout populations. Of greatest
importance are the riparian habitats, mountain meadows, and localized
areas subjected to timber harvest. Livestock corrals and associated
structures can have moderate impacts locally. Other activities
which could be harmful on a limited and localized basis are: pack
station operations, mining operations, and road construction in forest
or riparian areas, livestock grazing or trampling of scattered
grasslands and sagebrush rangelands, destruction of small patches of
willows and tundra, and premature erosion of bare rock slopes, and
perennial snow patches at high elevations which could accelerate
erosion and stream sedimentation (02).
Unique features - A ditch which was intended to transport water
from Sheep Creek to irrigate Lion Meadow for several years may have
allowed movement of Little Kern golden trout from Sheep Creek to
Lion Creek and, less likely, hybridized trout from Lion Creek to Sheep
Creek (02). Genetic analysis of Sheep Creek trout indicate that
hybridization did occur (14). Rock outcrops, cliffs and talus slopes
adjacent to streams could alter stream habitats if disturbed. Springs
are often instrumental in maintaining streamflows during critical low
periods. Loss of spring flow could result in reduction of or
elimination of Little Kern golden trout populations. The
approximately equal riffle to pool relationship characteristic of most
of the streams is essential in producing adequate fish food organisms
and providing resting habitat for trout. Waterfalls and cataracts
were instrumental in protecting isolated genetically pure populations
of Little Kern golden trout from exotic fish introductions downstream
and also in facilitating recovery efforts (12).
Little Kern golden trout require cold, well-aerated water free of
or relatively low in pollutants. While they may tolerate water
temperatures as high as 72 deg. F. for short periods, high
temperatures will cause them stress. Adequate streamflow and shading
are needed to prevent high temperatures. Their native habitats lie at
elevations of 6,000 to 9,000 feet, however, they can survive and
reproduce at elevations as low as 2,700 feet if water conditions are
suitable (02). Successful spawning depends on a gravel substrate with
adequate depth and velocity of water. Gravel sizes of 5 mm to 10 mm
are known to be used. Water depth at redd sites can be from 5 mm to
15 mm. Water velocity of about 1 foot per second is probably
necessary for redd development (15). Water percolation through the
gravel is necessary for egg development. Exceedingly high flows can
inhabit or prevent successful spawning because of high water velocity
and/or moving substrates (02).
Habitat Associations - 3 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Zooplankton
General Worms
General Fish
General Amphibia
General Carrion
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G Terrestrial Features: Talus
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Little Kern golden trout are opportunistic feeders but apparently
have preferences since the abundance of different food organisms in
the stream does not seem to be reflected in the items consumed. For
example, mayflies, gnats, and mosquitoes are often abundant but may
not be represented to any great degree in the trout stomachs whereas
stoneflies may be just the opposite. It seems that land insects
are very important in their diet (21). It also may be that some food
types are relatively more available. While food habits in the wild
show definite characteristics, it is difficult to say that any
particular group of food organisms is essential since feeding habits
vary greatly from one stream to another (16) and they can adapt to
artificial foods in captive situations (02).
Adult Little Kern golden trout consume primarily insects with
caddisfly larvae, stonefly adults and numphs, ants, and beetles
apparently more important. They also consume spiders, mayflies,
dobsonflies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths, trout eggs, small fish,
amphibian larvae, worms, and vegetable detritus (16). In lakes the
food types available are different and plankton is probably important
in addition to insects.
Eggs and alevins developing in redds are nourished by the egg
yolk. Upon emerging into the stream planton is very important in
their diet until they are able to consume larger items.
When food production is higher durring the warmer months, this
is when trout growth and egg development occurs. Near freezing
temperatures for most of the rest of the year inhabits or stops
metabolism and growth during that period.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Litttle Kern golden trout are territorial with dominant
individuals occupying preferred feeding locations. They occupy these
positions mostly during daytime, sometimes seeking shelter near
boulders, undercut banks, and vegetation during mid-day or when
frightened. Their home range is usually very small, such as a pool
that may be only a foot or so in diameter, or a portion of a larger
pool, shared with other individuals. In very large pools, 20 feet
or so in diameter, and lakes, the territorial behavior seems to break
down and there is a random distribution (02).
Defense of territory is usually exhibited in the dominant
individual chasing or nipping at intruders. During spawning the
territories change to areas where spawning requirements are met,
usually riffles. Aggressive behavior, especially in males is more
pronounced during spawning (15).
PERIODICITY:
Little Kern golden trout are more active during the warmer season
as their metabolic rate increases. If water temperatures exceed 65
deg. F or so, they can become lethargic due to stress. They are
usually most active early and late in the day when food organisms
can be obtained and predators or other disturbances are more easily
seen by the trout.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Little Kern golden trouts are relatively non-migratory. In
streams they remain in a single location for several years. Average
movements are usually within 10 meters and rarely exceed 50 meters.
They will move to spawning areas for reproduction but the distance is
still very limited. Occasionally individuals will move greater
distances, up to 400 meters or more, especially if disturbed.
Smaller trout have greater tendency to move downstream and larger fish
tend to move upstream. Trout in lakes must migrate into outlet or
inlet streams to find suitable habitat (17).
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Little Kern golden trout can survive in extremely limited spaces.
A single pool of a foot or so in diameter and a few inches deep will
suffice if their is adequate food and protection from predators.
Shelter requirments may also be minimal such as a stone or undercut
bank not much larger than the trout itself. Cover can consist of
boulders, stones, whitewater, undercut banks, vegetation, debris
such as logs or limbs, and even ripply water surfaces which limit
visibility into the water. Cover is of less importance in very large
pools and lakes. Stream sections of shallow depth and substrates of
small sized particles are usually found in the more marginal cover
areas. Overhead vegetative canopy enhances cover values (02).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Little Kern golden trout require spawning sites with sufficient
water velocity to excavate a redd in the substrate in order to be
successful at reproduction. Stream-bed substrate materials should be
about 5 mm to 10 mm diameter for adult trout (about 5-7 inches) to be
able to excavate the redd. Water depth should be at least 5 cm to
allow trout of this size to maneuver over the spawning site. Water
velocity of about one foot per second is sufficient to allow redd
excavation. Much higher water velocities can discourage spawning or
destroy completed redds. Incubation and hatching of eggs requires
movement of well oxygenated water through the completed redd. Redd
construction and subsequent covering or filling-in with gravel
usually allows the free passage of water through the redd.
Sedimentation after spawning or low flows can reduce flows through the
redd and can result in reduced survival or total loss of eggs or
alevins (15,02).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Female Little Kern golden trout will select a suitable spawning
site and excavate a redd. The male usually defends the spawning
territory by chasing others away. Other males may
participate in spawning, especially if the dominant male is
preoccupied or removed. When the female completes the redd, she will
deposit eggs in the depression and the male will simultaneously
fertilize them. The female will cover the eggs with stream-bed
gravel from upstream. This procedure may be repeated. Some trout
will mature at two years of age, especially males. Usually they are
three years old when they first spawn. It appears that older trout,
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
five or six years old, may not produce many eggs nor have as high
fertility as younger trout (15).
They will spawn only once per year in spring or early summer,
during May and June, depending on snowmelt, water temperatures and
photoperiod. There is a possible exception to this pattern suggested
by individual trout with almost mature eggs found in the fall. It
is not known if they will actually spawn successfully during that
period (02,18).
Fecundity of female Little Kern golden trout is quite low due to
the small average size. Production of from 41 to several hundred
eggs per female have been recorded. Those that have abundant food
supplies and rapid growth reach larger sizes and consequently produce
more eggs. Incubation periods are about 26 days at 12 to 16 deg. C.
Warmer temperatures will shorten the period and colder temperatures
will extend it. In the wild, fertility and survival of eggs
can be very low, as few as 5 per redd. This seem especially true of
densely populated habitats or those with older trout dominating the
population. In artificial situations, fertility and survival can be
as high as 90 percent (18,19,20).
PARENTAL CARE:
There is no parental care in Little Kern golden trout.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Numbers of Little Kern golden trout in a stream depends on the
amount of cover present and territoriality. The average number of
adults in a small streams is about 500 per mile. Larger streams and
those with better habitat conditions may be twice that number (02).
The amount of food available determines the growth rates and biomass.
Generally, Little Kern River drainage streams are low in productivity
and trout will reach 5 to 7 inches in length in 4 to 5 years. Reduced
population density stimulates growth and may result in trout up to
10 inches long in 3 to 4 years.
Years of high spring runoff can reduce success of reproduction.
Repeated years of this situation can result in significantly reduced
populations. In spite of limited reproductive capability there is
sufficient survival to maintain populations. The turnover rate must
be rapid since few trout exceed 4 years of age, especially females,
which are subjected to more severe stress during spawning (02).
Predation and disease appear to have little effect on natural
populations, even though they are very susceptible to diseases in less
sterile environments such as the water supply at the Kern River
Fishery Base at Kernville (02).
Sex ratios vary considerably depending on the viability of the
population. Ratios at hatching of eggs is presumed to be 54% female
and 50% male. Populations at or near carrying capacity may have
limited recruitment and higher mortality of females resulting in an
unbalanced adult ratio heavily dominated by males. This has been
estimated as high as about 1 female to 20 males in sxtreme cases (20).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Little Kern golden trout in suitable habitats are entirely
dependent on food for survival. THe key to this aspect of their
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
biology is insects both aquatic and terrestrial. Changes in the
abundance and species of insects could result in commensurate changes
in trout growth and survival.
Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdenerii) placed in contact with Little
Kern golden trout will result in genetic contamination and essentially
destroy the pure population. Western suckers (Catostomus
occidentalis) have cohabited with Little Kern golden trout
historically with little impact. There is some competition for basic
productivity and consequent limitation on trout biomass where they
occupy the same stream habitats. Eastern brook trout (Salvelinus
frontinalis) placed in contact with Little Kern golden trout will
compete for food and space to the detriment of the latter.
The western aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis couchi)
and belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) can be predatory on Little
Kern golden trout. The extent of this impact is unknown but thought
to be of limited concern. The water ouzel (Cinclus mexicanus) feeds
on aquatic insects and thus competes for food with Little Kern golden
trout. These impacts are felt to be of minimal concern.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Hybridization
Existing Hybridization
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The most serious problem with the Little Kern golden trout is
the hybridization with exotic species. During the 1930's and 1940's
rainbow trout were introduced into many locations throughout the
Little Kern drainage. This, and possibly earlier introductions as
long ago as 1870, account for the loss of genetic integrity of Little
Kern golden trout in most of their native habitat and several streams
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
to which they were transplanted, such as the South Fork Kaweah River.
The affected areas include all the Little Kern River drainage except
upper Soda Spring Creek, lower Wet Meadows Creek, Deadman Creek,
Willow Creek drainage and Fish Creek. Little Kern golden trout
populations were thus lost in about 90 miles of stream habitat.
Eastern brook trout and brown trout have also been introduced, but
their impacts are much less. The brown trout apparently did not
become established, but eastern brook trout persist in several waters,
even to the point of eliminating native populations through
competition. Their influence was evident in Silver Lake, upper
Bullfrog Lake, lower Bullfrog Lake, the upper Little Kern River,
Hidden Lake, lower Maggie Lake, middle Maggie Lake, North Twin Lake,
South Twin Lake, upper Pecks Canyon Creek, South Mountaineer Creek,
and upper Clicks Creek (11).
Erosion of stream courses is widespread in localized areas
throughout the Little Kern River drainage. Much of it is natural and
occurs in unstable banks at high flows, in which most of the sediments
are carried downstream (02,12). More serious are the consequences of
man's activities. The grazing of domestic livestock influences the
streambank vegetation (vegetation composition changes) and soil
stability (causing erosion and siltation of streams) in addition to
removing the protective grass covering of meadows. Also, logging
operations have removed vegetative cover that also protects the
trout's habitat. These factors contribute to the loss of cover for
fish, increases water temperatures, and causes the desiccation and
erosion of productive meadow and forest streams (13). This has
occurred at Fish Creek, Jug Springs tributary, Grey Meadow Creek,
Clicks Creek, Lion Creek, and possibly others (02). There is also a
certain degree of water quality degradation when livestock urine and
feces enter the streams. Other erosion problems in the watershed have
resulted from road construction and ORV activity. These have been
localized and of minor importance. The areas affected are primarily
in the non-wilderness portions of upper Fish Creek and upper Clicks
Creek drainage and possibly a few other isolated locations. Road and
trail crossings at streams and livestock watering and grazing have
resulted in changes to stream habitat (02).
Soil disturbance within the Little Kern River watershed has
resulted in sediments entering streams. This has been primarily in
non-wilderness portions of the drainage where heavy equipment
operation in road building and logging have taken place. ORV activity
both on trails and in restricted areas and the tungsten mine on the
ridge between Soda Spring Creek and the Little Kern River may have
contributed to minor sedimentation problems. The presence of
buildings and other facilities for human habitation and livestock
operations at Fish Creek trailhead, Clicks Creek trailhead, Grey
Meadow and Lion Meadow have resulted in soil disturbance and possibly
stream sedimentation (02).
Presently heavy equipment operation in the non-wilderness area
and livstock operations are impacting the stream habitats in many
locations. The tungsten mine is still in operation with ORV access
from the Fish Creek trailhead. ORV activity is still allowed in
the non-wilderness areas. Introduction of exotic fish species is
now prohibited by law and management direction for the Little Kern
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
River drainage precludes this activity.
Future threats include the continuation of grazing, heavy
equipment operation, and mining. The greatest threat remains the
illegal introduction of exotic fish species.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
No formal recovery plan has been developed, however, the following
management plan has been signed by the; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the
California Department of Fish and Game: Christenson, Daniel P.
1984. The Revised Fishery Management Plan for the Little Kern Golden
Trout. Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game (22).
Management actions developed for the Little Kern Golden Trout
include:
1. Finish genetic sampling and periodically sample known pure
populations to assure that they have not been contaminated.
2. Control and restrict pesticide and herbicide use on the surrounding
lands.
3. Restoration and maintenance of Little Kern golden trout
populations:
a. Barrier alteration or construction.
b. Salvage of non-Little Kern golden trout population.
c. Chemical treatments (to remove all hybrids and exotic
species).
d. Retreatment if necessary and transplanting of Little Kern
golden trout to rehabilitated habitats.
e. Rehabilitate trout habitat - stream bank modification and
stabilization, maintain water flow and increase the water
table in eroded areas, habitat revegetation, create
artificial habitat. Specific projects include:
1. planting of willow slips and jeffery pines,
2. placement of log deflectors and log check dams,
3. headcut stabilization, and
4. debris removal
f. Conduct resource monitoring programs to detect changes in
stream ecosystems which could be harmful to Little Kern
golden trout populations.
g. Land acquistion of private land holdings within the
designated Critical Habitat.
4. Protect Little Kern golden trout from any further introduction of
of exotic species (i.e., rainbow trout). The following measures,
listed in order of priority, may be implemented:
a. Public education
b. Reduce access to make illegal introduction (of exotics)
more difficult. This may include limiting vehicle access
for authorized or emergency purposes or road closures.
c. provide a protective buffer zone by conversion of
immediately adjacent fish populations outside the Critical
Habitat to Little Kern golden trout.
5. Enforcement of laws protecting this species (i.e., harvest
regulations, poaching, etc.).
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
6. Further protect Little Kern golden trout from overharvest, if
necessary, by implementing the following measures:
a. Public education to acheive dispersal of angler use.
b. Voluntary reduced bag limits to protect lake populations.
c. Reduction of bag limits or imposing size limits.
d. Stream closure to fishing.
e. Change wilderness entry quotas.
f. Reduce use in impacted areas by rerouting trails or
prohibiting camping.
g. Control vehicle access.
Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Evermann, Barton W. 1906. The golden trout of the southern High
Sierra. Bull. of the Bureau of Fish. Vol. XXV, 1905-1:1-51.
02 Christenson, Daniel P. 1986. Pers. comm. CA. Dept. of Fish and
Game, Fresno.
03 McAfee, W.R. 1966. Golden trout. (In: Inland Fisheries
Management, A. Calhoun, Editor), CA. Fish and Game Dept.,
Sacramento, CA. Pp. 216-221.
04 Ellis, S.L.N., and H.C. Bryant. 1920. Distribution of the golden
trout in California. CA. Fish and Game, Vol. 6, No. 4:141-152.
05 Curtis, B. 1935. The golden trout of Cottonwood Lakes. CA.
Fish and Game., Vol. 21, No. 2:109-121.
06 Ellis, S.L.N. 1915. A record of fish plants made in the waters of
the Fresno Division, Fish and Game Commission. Comprising the
Counties of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa,
Tuolumne, and Stanislaus; 1870-1915. CA. Dept. Fish and Game,
Fresno. 34 pp.
07 Schreck, Carl B. 1969. Trouts of the upper Kern River basin,
California. CO State Univ., Fort Collins. 120 pp.
08 California Fish and Game Department. 1986. Status report on the
Little Kern golden trout. CA. Dept. Fish and Game, Sacramento,
In Prep.
09 Smith, Randolf C. and Graham A.E. Gall. 1981. Biochemical -
genetic and meristic analysis of populations of Little Kern River
basin golden trout. Univ. of CA, Fish. Res. Bio. Fac., Davis,
65 pp.
10 Gall, Graham A.E., Michael Bannon, Randolph C. Smith, and Boyd
Bentley. 1982. Progress Report: California Native Trout of the
Rainbow Series. Univ. of CA, Dept. of Animal Sci., Davis. 9 pp.
11 Christenson, Daniel P. 1984. The revised fishery management plan
for the Little Kern golden trout. CA Dept. Fish and Game, Fresno.
25 pp.
12 Evans, Willis A., Randolph C. Smith, and Margaret Bell. 1973. A
Reconnaissance Survey of the Fish Resources of the Little Kern
River Drainage, California., CA Dept. Fish and Game and USDA
Forest Serv., Reg. 5. 40 pp.
13 Wood, Spencer Hoffman. 1975. Holocene stratigraphy and chronology
of mountain meadows, Sierra Nevada, California. USDA For. Serv.,
Reg. 5. Earth Res. Mon. 4. 180 pp.
14 Gall, Graham A.E. 1986. Pers. comm. Univ. of CA., Dept. of
Animal Sci., Davis.
15 Smith, James R. 1977. Aspects of the reproductive biology and
behavior of the Little Kern golden trout. CA State Univ., Dept.
of Bio., Fresno. 151 pp.
16 Juday, Chancey. 1906. The food of the trout of the Kern River
region. Bull. of the Bur. of Fish., Vol. XXV, 1905-1, Pp. 43-51.
17 Konno, Eddy S. 1985. Little Kern golden trout migration patterns,
CA State Univ., Dept. of Bio., Fresno.
18 Stephens, Stanley J. 1986. Pers. comm. Fresno, CA.
19 Marshall, Laird. 1986. Pers. comm. Fresno, CA.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species TROUT, GOLDEN, LITTLE KERN
Species Id ESIS251012
Date 14 MAR 96
20 Bobcock, Jennifer L. 1986. [In prep.] Little Kern golden trout
fecundity. CA State Univ., Dept. of Bio., Fresno.
21 Dill, William A. 1941. The Little Kern River drainage, Tulare
Co. Prog. Rept. No. 1. CA Div. of Fish and Game, Fresno. 12 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Christenson, Daniel P. 1984. The revised fishery management plan
for the Little Kern golden trout. CA Dept. Fish and Game, Fresno.
25 pp.
02 Christenson, Daniel P., and Stanley J. Stephens. 1985. Annual
report on the implementation of: The Little Kern Golden Trout
Management Plan for 1984. CA Dept. of Fish and Game, Fresno.
03 Christenson, Daniel P., Stanley J. Stephens, and Cathy Dymkoski.
1986. Annual report on the implementation of: The Little Kern
Golden Trout Management Plan for 1985. CA Dept. Fish and Game,
Fresno. In Prep.
04 Evermann, Barton W. 1906. The golden trout of the southern High
Sierra. Bull. of the Bur. of Fish. Vol. XXV, 1905-1:1-51.
05 Ellis, S.L.N., and H.C. Bryant. 1920. Distribution of the golden
trout in California. CA Fish and Game, Vol. 6, No. 4:141-152.
06 Ellis, S.L.N. 1915. A record of fish plants made in the waters of
the Fresno Division, Fish and Game Commission. Comprising the
Counties of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa,
Tuolumne, and Stanislaus; 1870-1915. CA Dept. Fish and Game,
Fresno. 34 pp.
References - 2