(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

TAXONOMY

NAME - SHINER, CAPE FEAR

OTHER COMMON NAMES - SHINER and CAPE FEAR

ELEMENT CODE -

CATEGORY - Fish

PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,

CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,

ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES,

FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE,

GENUS AND SUBGENUS - NOTROPIS,

SPECIES AND SSP - MEKISTOCHOLAS,

SCIENTIFIC NAME - NOTROPIS MEKISTOCHOLAS

AUTHORITY -

TAXONOMY REFERENCES -

COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Cape Fear shiner

Notropis mekistocholas Snelson, 1971

KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish

PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichtyes
ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae

The Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas), described by
Snelson in 1971 (01), is a small (rarely exceeding 2 inches in
length), moderately stocky minnow. The fish's body is flushed with a
pale silvery yellow, and a black band runs along its side. The fins
are yellowish and somewhat pointed. The upper lip is black, and the
lower lip bears a thin black bar along its margin. The lateral line
is complete but dips slightly from its head to below the dorsal fin.
The round eye is moderate in size and is located on the side of the
head. It is distinguished from all other Notropis by having an
elongated alimentary tract with two convolutions crossing the
intestinal bulb. Lateral line scales (mean = 35.5, range = 34-37),
pharyngeal teeth 0,4-4,0, and dorsal ray count 8 (01).
Type specimens are at the U.S. National Museum, Cornell
University, Tulane University, University of Florida, and the
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Other materal is located
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

at North Carolina State Natural History Museum (01). Published
photographs are in Snelson (01). There are no other common or
scientific name synonyms for this species.

Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

STATUS

Coded Status
North Carolina; Federal Endangered
North Carolina; State Recognized

E: Federal Endangered

COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas) 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 State of North Carolina. Critical Habitat has been
designated in North Carolina: Chatham County, approximately 4.1 river
miles of the Rocky River from State Highway 902 Bridge downstream to
Chatham County Road 1010 Bridge; Chatham and Lee Counties,
approximately 0.5 river mile of Bear Creek from Chatham County Road
2156 Bridge downstream to the Rocky River, then downstream (4.2 river
miles) to the Deep River (2.6 river miles) to a point 0.3 miles below
Moncure, NC; Moore and Randolph Counties approximately 1.5 river miles
of Fork Creek to Deep River, then downstream 4.1 river miles to a
point 2.5 river miles below Moore County Road 1456 Bridge
(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 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 of this species.

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.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:

STATE: North Carolina
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
STATE STATUTE: N.C. Admin. Code, Wildl. Res. and Water Safety,
Subchapter 101 - Endang. and Threat. Species

INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.

ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The Cape Fear shiner has no cultural or commercial significance.
It, however, is a unique species restricted to a very limited range,
and it has value for aesthetic and scientific reasons.

75/03/18:40 FR 12297/ - Notice of review
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of review
85/09/18:50 FR 37958/37967 - Notice of review
86/07/11:51 FR 25219/25223 - Proposed rule, Endangered w/ Crit. Hab.
87/09/25:52 FR 36034/36039 - Final rule, Endangered w/ Crit. Habitat
87/10/01:52 FR 36776/ - Final rule, correction of Crit. Hab. map

Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Shortleaf Pine-Oak shrub--seedling
Shortleaf Pine-Oak young tree
Shortleaf Pine-Oak mature tree
Shortleaf Pine-Oak Old Growth

LAND USE -
Residential
Commercial and Services
Industrial
Transportation, communications, and Util
Mixed Urban or Built-up Land
Cropland and Pasture
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Reservoirs

NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES

NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC

Lacustrine, limnetic
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1

COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Cape Fear shiner is generally associated with gravel,
cobble, and boulder substrate, and it has been observed inhabiting
slow pools, riffles, log jams, and slow runs often associated with
water willow (Justicia) beds (01,02,03,04). In these habitats the
species is typically associated with schools of related species, but
it is never the numerically dominant species. Juveniles are often
found in slackwater, among large rock outcrops in mid-stream, and in
flooded side channels and pools (03,04). Lands associated with this
riverine habitat are primarily second and third growth mixed hardwood
and softwood forests (oak-pine), some limited croplands (corn),
pasture, and rural residential. Public roads and bridges border and
cross the species' habitat, and it is found both upstream and
downstream of impoundments. Some of the extreme upper basin lands
(that could adversely impact the downstream habitat) are more
extensively developed for agriculture (row crops), industry,
commercial and dense residential areas (06).

Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE

LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Bacteria
General Phytoplankton
General Diatoms
General Algae

Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
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 Inland wetlands: swamp
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G

Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS:
Little is known about its food habits, but it is believed that
the species' black peritoneum and elongated intestine are adaptations
to a herbivorous feeding habit, including probably bottom detritus,
diatoms, and other periphytes (01). Captive specimens feed readily
on both plant and animal matter (03).

HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The species schools with other fishes, but it is unknown if
they remain within a territory (03,06).

PERIODICITY:
Periodicity is unknown, but the species' activity likely is
reduced in winter.

MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Migration is unknown in this species.

COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Little is known of the species' cover/shelter requirements, but
from observations during survey, some data is available. The fish
is found in schools with other species, which provides some protection
from predation (03). The adults are found in association with
boulders and on edge of riffles and beds of water willows (Justicia)
(01,02,03). All these habitats provide some degree of cover (06).
Juveniles are often found in slackwater, among large rock outcrops
in mid-stream, and in flooded side channels and pools (03,04).

REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
No information is available.

REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
No information is available.

PARENTAL CARE:
No information is available.

POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Except for some observations made during surveys for the species,
little information exists on the fish. Rocky boulder riverine
habitat is important for the species, and it appears that loss of this
habitat has reduced the species' range. If the species can be
reintroduced into historic habitat and existing populations continue
to exist, recovery is possible.

SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The Cape Fear shiner schools with other Notropis species (01,02,
03). The interactions with these species are likely important for the
Cape Fear shiner (05).

OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

None.

Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting

COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The Cape Fear shiner may always have existed in low numbers.
However, its recent reduction in range and its small population size
(03,04,05,06) increases the species' vulnerability to a catastrophic
event, such as a toxic chemical spill. Dam construction in the Cape
Fear system has probably had the most serious impact on the species
by inundating the species' rocky riverine habitat and altering stream
flows (06). A review of historic collection records (01,02), along
with recent survey results (03,04,06), indicates that the Cape Fear
shiner is presently restricted to only four populations (refer to
field N-OCCURRENCE). Two historic populations have apparently been
extirpated (03,04). Robeson Creek, Chatham County, was believed lost
when Jordan Lake Flooded part of the creek. The reasons for the loss
of the population from Parkers Creek in Harnett County are not known.
The shiner has also not been recollected (03) from the Cape Fear River
in Harnett County. However, review of historical and current
collection records reveals that only one specimen has ever been
collected from this River, and the fish likely was a stray individual
from an upstream or tributary population (06). As much of the Deep,
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

Haw, and Cape Fear Rivers and their major tributaries have been
impounded for hydroelectric power and much of the rocky shoal habitat
inundated, other populations and population segments that were never
discovered have likely been lost to these reservoirs (06).
Of the four remaining populations, only the one located around
the confluence of the Deep and Rocky Rivers in Chatham and Lee
Counties (inhabiting a total of about 7.3 river miles) appears strong
(03). The second population in the Rocky River, above the
hydroelectric facility, was the source of the type specimens used to
describe the species (01). Historic records reveal that collections
of 15 to 30 specimens could be expected in this stretch of the Rocky
River (State Route 902 or Chatham County Road 1010 Bridge) during a
sampling visit in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Recent samples
(1985 and 1986) were taken from the Rocky River throughout this
reach with only one specimen being collected. The reason for apparent
decline in this population is unknown. The third population, located
in the Deep River system in Moore and Randolph Counties, is
represented by the collection of six individuals (04). Three
individuals were taken above the Highfalls Hydroelectric Reservoir.
The other specimens were taken from below the dam. As the available
habitat below the dam is limited, it is believed these fish are
migrants from the upstream population (04,06). The population in
Neal Creek, Harnett County, was believed extirpated, but a population
has been recently rediscovered with the collection of 15 individuals
(05).
Also of concern are the state laws protecting the Cape Fear
shiner. North Carolina State Law, Subsection 113-272.4, prohibits
the collection without a State permit, however, this law does not
protect the species' habitat from the potential impacts of Federal
actions (08).
Other possible threats to the species and its habitat could
come from such activities as road construction, stream channel
modification, changes in stream flows for hydroelectric power,
impoundments, land use changes (i.e., agricultural development),
forest practices, wastewater discharges, and other projects in the
watershed if such activities (such as surface mining) are not planned
and implemented with the survival of the species and the protection of
its habitat in mind (the USFWS and OSM have been reveiewing and
evaluating a coal mining permit application by the Chatham Coal Co.,
Inc. of Stanford, North Carolina (08)) (04,06). The species is also
potentially threatened by two U.S. Army Corp of Engineers projects
presently under review for the Deep River. The Randleman Dam project
would consist of a reservoir in the Deep River in Randolph County
above known Cape Fear shiner habitat. The Howards Mill Reservoir
would be on Deep River in Moore and Randolph Counites and would flood
presently used Cape Fear shiner habitat (06).
Potential future threats could come from continued deterioration
of water quality through increases in siltation (siltation is
currently a problem for the fish in that soil losses from cropland
ranged from 3 tons per acre in the lower basin to 12 tons in the
headwaters - the North Carolina State Division of Soil and Water
Conservation considers 5 tons of soil loss per acre as the maximum
allowable (07)).
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

UNAPPROVED PLAN:
No recovery plan has been developed, nor has a target date for one
been established for the Cape Fear shiner.

Management actions recommended for the recovery of the Cape Fear
shiner include research to determine the species' current distribution
and range, habitat requirements, life history, and population biology.
Monitor the known populations and identify and remove threats to those
populations (evidence suggests that the following items pose some
level of threat to the survival of the species: agricultural practices
and the use of pesticides/herbicides in the area, general ground water
pollution, road maintenance actions, mining operations, and any
activities which may alter the stream flow). Educate the public,
particulary landowners along the rivers where it occurs, to define
their roles in protection of endangered species and to gain support
for habitat protection. Develop techniques for reintroducing the
species back into its historic range. Artificial rearing and
maintenance of individuals for subsequent release may expedite
recovery of the species.
Presently no recovery actions are ongoing.

Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species SHINER, CAPE FEAR
Species Id ESIS254016
Date 13 MAR 96

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****

01 Snelson, Franklin F. 1971. Notrpis mekistocholas, a new cyprinid
fish endemic to the Cape Fear River basin, North Carolina. Copeia
1971:449-462.
02 Palmer, W., and A. Braswell. 1986. Pers. comm. N. Carolina State
Mus. of Nat. Hist., Raleigh, NC.
03 Pottern, G.B., and M.T. Huish. 1985. Status survey of the Cape
Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas). Cont. No. 14-16-0009-1522,
U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Asheville, NC. 44 pp.
04 Pottern, G.B., and M.T. Huish. 1986. Supplement to the status
survey of the Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas). Cont. No.
14-16-0009-1522, U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Asheville, NC. 11 pp.
05 Pottern, G.B., and M.T. Huish. 1986. Second supplement to the
status survey of the Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas).
Report to: U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Asheville, NC. 7 pp.
06 Biggins, R.G. 1986. Pers. observ. (made during status survey in
1984-1985). U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Asheville, NC.
07 North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development. 1983. Status of water resources in the Cape Fear
River Basin. N.C. Dept. of Nat. Res. and Comm. Develop., Raleigh.
135 pp.
08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants; determination of endangered species status and
designation of critical habitat for the Cape Fear shiner.
Fed. Reg. 52:36034-36039.

***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****

References - 1