(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA OTHER COMMON NAMES - LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA;LOGPERCH and RETICULATE ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Fish PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES, ORDER AND SUBORDER - PERCIFORMES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - PERCIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PERCINA, SPECIES AND SSP - JENKINSI, SCIENTIFIC NAME - PERCINA JENKINSI AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Conasauga Logperch Percina jenkinsi Thompson, 1985 KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes ORDER: Perciformes FAMILY: Percidae The Conasauga logperch (Percina jenkinsi, Thompson 1985) is a member of the logperch subgenus Percina and believed to be most closely related to P. caprodes by Thompson (01). Although Thompson also indicates the possibility of hybrid origin between the undescribed Mobile logperch and another Percina. This species was formerly referred to by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the reticulate logperch (Percina sp.) until recently described by Thompson. The Conasauga logperch is a medium-sized, slender logperch (maximum size is 116 mm SL) with small scales and narrow, dark lateral bars with blotches between them (01). Starnes and Etnier (02) described the species as having "tiger-like" bars and a "pig-like" snout (see their description of "reticulate logperch"). However, this species lacks the red, orange or yellow colors found in the first dorsal fin of other logperch (01). Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 A more detailed description with meristics and proportional measurements is found in Thompson's original description (01), along with keys to separate the species from all other members of the subgenus Percina. There is also a black and white photograph of a female P. jenkinsi in Thompson (01). In addition, Etnier and Starnes (02) provide a brief description and a black and white photograph of the species (see Percina sp. cf. P. caprodes - "reticulate logperch"). Although the species was referred to as the reticulate logperch by common name, the scientific name was Percina sp. prior to its description by Thompson. The species is now referred to as the Conasauga logperch (Percina jenkinsi). Etnier and Starnes (03) also provide a key, description, and photograph of P. jenkinsi. The holotype is located at Tulane University (TU # 106075). Paratopotypes are located at Tulane University (TU # 80507, 80508, 80506, 69140, and 78369), Cornell University (CU # 69366), Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS # 74582), the University of Tennessee (UT # 91.380, 91.688, 91.1176, 91.1545, 91.2621), and the University of Alabama Ichthyological Collection (UAIC # 3901). Other paratypes are located at the University of Tennessee (UT # 91.691, 91.2702, 91.1646), University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ # 213400), U.S. National Museum (USNM # 268480), and the Univesity of Georgia (UG # 1394F). Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status Georgia; Federal Endangered Georgia; State Recognized Georgia; Unofficially Listed Tennessee; Federal Endangered Tennessee; State Listed E: Federal Endangered COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Conasauga logperch (Percina jenkinsi) has been designated an Endangered species 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 species has this status wherever found including the States of Georgia and Tennessee. Critical Habitat has been designated for this species in Murray County (GA) and the counties of Bradley and Polk (TN) and is addressed in 50 CFR 17.95(e). This species 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 (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 of this species. USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this species 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 Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 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: Georgia DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division STATE STATUTE: Game and Fish Laws of Georgia, Title 27, Chapter 3, page 130. Game and Fish Code Sec. 27-1-28. Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia 391-4-2-.05 and 391-4-3-.02. UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered Species of Georgia Proceedings. STATE: Tennessee DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency STATE STATUTE: Proclamations 75-15, 76-4 and amendments. Tennessee Code Annotated 70-6-101, 70-6-104, 70-6-201. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: None. ECONOMIC STATUSES: This species has no cultural or commercial value. However, the Conasauga logperch has aesthetic and scientific value. 83/11/04:48 FR 50909/50910 - Notice of review 84/07/13:49 FR 28572/28580 - Proposed Endangered with Critical Habitat 85/08/05:50 FR 31597/31604 - Listing as Endangered with Crit. Habitat Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC INLAND AQUATIC SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine shrub--seedling Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine young tree Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine mature tree Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine Old Growth shrub--seedling young tree mature tree Old Growth LAND USE - Transportation, communications, and Util Cropland and Pasture Confined Feeding Operations Deciduous Forest Land Evergreen Forest Land Mixed Forest Land Streams and Canals NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Riverine, upper perennial UB2 Riverine, upper perennial UB1 Riverine, upper perennial SB2 Riverine, upper perennial SB1 Riverine, upper perennial RB2 Riverine, upper perennial OW0 Riverine, upper perennial AB2 COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The Conasauga logperch is most often found in deep (100 cm) runs (04) or flowing pools with moderate to swift currents. Snorkel observations (01) found the Conasauga logperch to be concentrated in the deeper, more swiftly flowing portions of these runs or pools. Substrates in these areas inhabitated by P. jenkinsi consist of mixed sand, gravel, cobble and vegetation (riverweed, Podostemum) (01,02,03, 04,05). Thompson (01) suggests the possibility of a seasonal change in habitat (fall and winter), like other species of Percina, to deeper pools with less current. There also may be a move during the reproductive season (April) to more shallow shoal areas with gravel substrate and swift current (03). Freeman (04) found juveniles at the bottom of a pool 50 cm deep over a gravel and sand substrate. Surrounding land types that, if disturbed or altered, may adversely impact the species consist of: 1) agricultural lands including corn, soybeans, pasture, livestock feed lots and chicken (broiler) operations; 2) forested land in the upper portion of the species range which is within the Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee. In north Georgia the Conasauga River flows through a part of the Chatahoochee National Forest. The vegetation bordering the river in these areas consists of oak-hickory and Habitat Associations - 1 loblolly-shortleaf pine, sometimes intermixed, at various stages of succession; and 3) several roads parallel, bridges cross (including railroads) and a few transmission lines also cross over the logperchs' riverine habitat. Habitat Associations - 2
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - CARNIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General Arthropods Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 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 Aquatic Features: Pool areas G Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS: The gut contents of the Conasauga logperch have not been examined in the laboratory, but the species has been observed feeding. Like other logperches they feed by flipping small stones with their snout and consuming aquatic invertebrates (probably mostly insect larvae) that are revealed (01,02). HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: Although nothing is known for certain about movement patterns of the Conasauga logperch, there are a few bits of evidence to suggest that there is a seasonal change in habitat. Thompson (04) suggested additional studies were necessary to determine whether P. jenkinsi may move from the deep, gently moving pools he described as their habitat to more shallow, swiftly flowing runs in spring and summer like other logperch species. Starnes and Etnier (02) also suggest a seasonal movement from flowing pools to swift, shallow gravel shoals and indicates (03) that this movement is associated with reproductive behavior. Nothing is known about any possible territorial behavior, social life habits, or home range size. The closely related logperch, Percina caprodes is apparently not territorial. Males gather in schools for spawning and individual females swim through the schools to spawn with the males (07). PERIODICITY: There is very little information available on daily or seasonal activity patterns of the Conasauga logperch with the exception of daytime snorkel observations of foraging behavior (02) and collection of spawning individuals in spring (01,03). MIGRATION PATTERNS: The Conasauga logperch is non-migratory. However, a seasonal change in habitat from deep runs or flowing pools to deeper, slower pools in fall is suggested by Thompson (01). An additional movement to shallow shoal areas with swift currents during the reproductive season is also indicated (03). According to Page's (07) description of the natural history of the logperch (Percina caprodes) when living in lotic environments; the species apparently also undergoes a migration or a change in habitat from the moderate current they normally inhabit to a swifter current (often riffles) during the spawning season. In lentic environments, Winn (08,09) found that during the reproductive season (spring) logperch males migrate from deeper offshore waters to shallow sandy shore habitats and form spawning aggregations awaiting the arrival of females. COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: The Conasauga logperch is most often found in deep (up to 100 cm) runs or moderate to swiftly flowing pools (04). Substrates in its preferred habitat have been described as mixed cobble, gravel, sand and vegetataion (01,02,03,04,05). Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 Seasonally, however, (during the spring reproductive period) P. jenkinsi may also be found in swift, shallow gravel shoal areas (03). Although it has not been documented, Thompson (01) also suggested a possiblility of habitation in deeper, slower pools during fall/winter as with other logperch species. REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: Besides Thompson's (01) report of a probable spring (April) spawning period for the Conasauga logperch, nothing is known about their reproduction. Therefore, reproduction may occur in the flowing pools with clean gravel and rubble substrates (01,02,03,04). However, Freeman's (04) observation of juveniles over gravel and sand at the head of a riffle may indicate this habitat type as a spawning area. Although the species has been found in a variety of habitat types, the related logperch, Percina caprodes, has been observed to prefer sand or gravel areas for spawning (07). In rivers the species spawns in swift currents, and in lakes they gather in more shallow (depths of 10-200 cm) sandy shoreline areas (08). Nests are not constructed. Neither sex is territorial and both males and females are promiscuous, spawning with several mates (07). Eggs are buried in the sand and are left unguarded or are eaten if not buried (07). REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Nothing is known about breeding behavior or any other reproductive characteristics of the Conasauga logperch. The closely related logperch, Percina caprodes, is very wide ranging, and has a spring/summer reproductive season. Page (07) summarizes the available data and reports a late March to July spawning season, depending upon geographical location (possibly triggered by water temperature). A description of the reproductive behavior of P. caprodes as summarized by Page (07) follows: Male P. caprodes are non-territorial and gather in groups awaiting the arrival of females ready to spawn. When a female is ready, she swims through the school and may be followed by several males, one of which mounts her when she stops. They vibrate and bury in the sand, during which time 10 to 20 eggs are released, fertilized and buried. The eggs are left unguarded. There is no pair bond formation, as males and females each may spawn with several mates. Winn (09) reported the fecundity of P. caprodes to range from 1,060 to 3,085 eggs depending upon the size of the females (larger females produce more eggs). However, fecundity may be more variable than Winn indicated (or methodologies may not be comparable) because Nance (10) reported a much lower fecundity. Hatching time depends upon water temperature and may range from five to almost nine days (07). PARENTAL CARE: No data is available to describe development, parental care, or other social patterns of reproductive behavior of the Conasauga logperch. In the closely related logperch species Percina caprodes, neither Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 sex attends the eggs. Eggs are buried and abandoned, and hatch in five to almost nine days depending upon water temperature (07). Following hatching, growth proceeds relatively rapidly, as young may attain a total length of 74 mm by the end of their first year (07). POPULATION BIOLOGY: At present, no data are available on population characteristics of the Conasauga logperch. However, the major current factor ensuring the continued survival of the species is the protection of the Conasauga logperch's preferred habitat. Percina jenkinsi has mostly been taken in flowing water over clean bottoms (01). In addition, the Conasauga logperch has been observed to rely upon vision for feeding (02). Therefore, any land use alteration which increases siltation or decreases flow could be detrimental to the species (01,06). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: No other information can be added at this time concerning species interrelationships with the Conasauga logperch. OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: No other information can be added at this time concerning other life history descriptors of the Conasauga logperch. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                             Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                Species Id ESIS254009
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical] Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals Beneficial Transplanting wild animals Adverse Predation Existing Predation Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas Adverse Siltation Existing Siltation Adverse Water Temperature Alteration Existing Water Temperature Alteration Adverse Water Level Stabilization Existing Water Level Stabilization Adverse Water Level Fluctuation Existing Water Level Fluctuation Adverse Reservoirs Existing Reservoirs Adverse Migration barriers Existing Migration barriers Adverse Dredging Existing Dredging Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution Adverse Competition Existing Competition Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Adverse Erosion Existing Erosion COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - The Conasauga logperch was listed as Endangered because of restricted range, vulnerability of isolated populations to a single catrastrophic accident, and threats posed by the proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir projects (the Dalton Lake project and the Jacks River project). Currently neither project is being considered in their original form. A reservoir on the Conasauga River could Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 effect the species upstream of the reservoir. An influx of reservoir fish would reduce the Conasauga logperchs chance of survival through competition, predation and habitat alteration (i.e., substrate disturbance resulting from carp feeding behavior). In addition, reservoir construction could adversely impact the fish through modification of stream flows, water temperature alteration, and increased silt loads (07). The Conasauga logperch has an extremely restricted range, known only from about 11 miles of the upper Conasauga River in Tennessee and Georgia (01,03,04,05,06). It prefers moderate to swift currents over a clean bottom (01) and uses vision for feeding (01,02). Although there is no data to support his theory, Freeman (04) suggests that the present distribution of the Conasauga logperch may be only a portion of its historical range and that the inability of the species to adapt to alterations of habitat has eliminated it from those areas where it formerly occurred. Any major land use activity or change which increases siltation or alters the water flow regime could be detrimental to the species. Potential threats to the species and the habitat could be any major land use activity or change which increases siltation or adversely alters the water flow regime. This may include; increased silivicultural activity, some forest clearing and cutting practices with associated equipment, road or bridge construction, some road or transmission line maintenance practices, impoundments, channelization, stream channel modifications. Any development activities within the immediate watershed, such as herbicide or pesticide use and discharge of pollution in the river system itself is also a potential threat. In fact, Freeman (04) documented a channel alteration (an island was bulldozed by a landowner) which eliminated the Conasauga logperch from a previously occupied locality upstream of Murray County Road 173 bridge, Murray County, GA. For these reasons and the restricted range presently known for the logperch, the species was listed in 1985 (06) as an Endangered species. APPROVED PLAN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Conasauga Logperch and Amber Darter Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 34 pp. Management actions recommended for recovery of the Conasauga logperch include: 1) The utilization of existing regulations to protect the species and its Critical Habitat. 2) Conducting life history research to include reproduction, food habits, age and growth, mortality factors, etc., for propagation. Although not specifically mentioned in the Recovery Plan this may includes transplanting wild individuals from the viable wild population center to other areas of suitable habitat, within the historic range of the species; the option of captive breeding/ propagation for reintroduction, assuming technology advances to the point where Percina can be reared successfully; and any positive in- stream channel modification such as creating suitable habitat or Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA Species Id ESIS254009 Date 13 MAR 96 nesting sites (i.e., the possibility of wing dams, gravel bars, etc.). 3) Determination of and controlling of present and foreseeable threats to the species such as any alteration of the river systems or surrounding habitat. Although not specifically mentioned in the Recovery Plan, threats may conceivably include any development activities with associated maintenance actions, erosion, pollution, and the use of herbicides or pesticides. 4) Assessing the viability of known populations and monitoring them. The major current factor ensuring the continued survival of the species is the protection of the Conasauga logperch's preferred habitat. Percina jenkinsi has mostly been taken in flowing water over clean bottoms (01). In addition, the Conasauga logperch has been observed to rely upon vision for feeding (02). Therefore, any land use alteration which increases siltation or decreases flow could be detrimental to the species (01,06) including; agriculture, rural, urban or recreational development and associated roads, power lines, facilities, and pollution; or the change in present land use practices such as agricultural techniques, herbicide use, pesticide use, road/ bridge/transmission line/railroad maintenance, or silvicultural practices with associated equipment and harvest techniques. Except for the enforcement of existing regulations, no recovery work is presently being conducted for this species as of 1985. Management Practices - 3
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                               Species LOGPERCH, CONASAUGA
                                  Species Id ESIS254009
                                      Date 13 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Thompson, B.A. 1985. Percina jenkinsi, a new species of logperch (Pisces, Percidae) from the Conasauga River, Tennessee and Georgia. Occas. Pap. Mus. Zool. Louisiana State Univ. 61:23 pp. 02 Starnes, W.C. and D.A. Etnier. 1980. Fishes. Pp. B1-B134, In: Tennessee's rare wildlife, Vol. 1: The vertebrates. D.C. Eagar and R.M. Hatcher, eds.Tennessee Heritage Program. 03 Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Stannes. Manus. Fishes of Tennessee. 04 Freeman, B.J. 1983. Final report on the status of Etheostoma trisella, the trispot darter and Percina antesella, the amber darter, in the upper Coosa River system in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee. Unpubl. final rept. to the USFWS. Contract no. 14-16- 004-048. 21 pp. 05 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Conasauga Logperch and Amber Darter Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, Georgia. 34 pp. 06 U.S. Government. 1985. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: determination of endangered status and of critical habitat for the amber darter and the Conasauga logperch. Fed. Reg. 50 (150):31597-31603. 07 Page, L.M. 1983. Handbook of darters. TFH Publ., Inc., Ltd. Neptune City, NJ. 271 pp. 08 Winn, H.E. 1958. Observations on the reproductive habits of darters (Pisces-Percidae). Am. Midl. Nat. 59:190-212. 09 Winn, H.E. 1958. Comparative reproductive behavior and ecology of 14 species of darters (Pisces-Percidae). Ecol. Monogr. 28:155-191. 10 Nance, S. 1978. Some aspects of the reproductive biology of the logperch Percina caprodes (Rafinesque) from East Lynn Lake, Wayne County, West Virgina. Proc. WV. Acad. Sci. 50:25. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Thompson, B.A. 1985. Percina jenkinsi, a new species of logperch (Pisces, Percidae) from the Conasauga River, Tennessee and Georgia. Occas. Pap. Mus. Zool. Louisiana State Univ. 61:23 pp. 02 Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Stannes. Manus. Fishes of Tennessee. 03 Freeman, B.J. 1983. Final report on the status of Etheostoma trisella, the trispot darter and Percina antesella, the amber darter, in the upper Coosa River system in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee. Unpubl. final rept. to the USFWS. Contract no. 14-16- 004-048. 21 pp. 04 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Conasauga Logperch and Amber Darter Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 34 pp. References - 1