(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
OTHER COMMON NAMES - DACE, WARM SPRINGS and KENDALL
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - RHINICHTHYS,
SPECIES AND SSP - OSCULUS, THERMALIS
SCIENTIFIC NAME - RHINICHTHYS OSCULUS THERMALIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Kendall Warm Springs Dace
Rhinichthys osculus thermalis (Hubbs and Kuhne, 1937)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae
The Kendall Warm Springs dace differs from the Green River
speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus yarrowi) by having a smaller body
size, larger head and fins, and fewer scales and fin rays. Adults
range from 23-54 mm in length. During the breeding season, males turn
bright purple. Females are usually dull olive green (01).
There is much disagreement as to this species' classification.
The fish was first described as a new subspecies of the western dace
(Apocope osculus thermalis) Hubbs and Kuhne (1937), who later
designated it as Rhinichthys osculus thermalis (01). The 1951
publication of Wyoming Fishes perpetuated the differentiation;
however, the 1970 Wyoming Fishes lists the Kendall Warm Springs dace
in the same taxa as the Green River Speckled dace (Rhinichthys
osculus) (02). Not enough study has been done to determine if the
Kendall Warm Springs dace is a distinct species evolving separately
from the Green River speckled dace (01,02). The Kendall Warm Springs
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
dace is the only known fish species in the Kendall Warm Springs. The
isolation of Kendall Warm Springs by thermal and travertine barriers
at the confluence of Kendall Warm Springs and the Green River, may
have allowed the Kendall Warm Springs dace to evolve differently (01).
A photograph and description of the Kendall Warm Springs dace may
be found in the Kendall Warm Springs Dace Recovery Plan (01).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Kendall Warm Springs dace (Rhinichthys osculus thermalis)
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 subspecies has this status
wherever found including the State of Wyoming.
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
(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
bodies of water are prohibited (36 CFR 219.27(e)).
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
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: Wyoming
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
STATE STATUTE: Wyoming Statutes Annotated 23-1-101
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Rare, "Current Status and Inventory of Wyoming
Wildlife", 1977
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Kendall Warm Springs dace is listed as Vulnerable in the
IUCN Red Data Book, Vol. 4, 1977; and is also listed by the Convention
on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western
Hemisphere, 1970.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The Kendall Warm Springs dace currently has no commercial value
although individuals were once used as fish bait. However, the
species does have scientific value as it may represent evolutionary
adaptation to a restricted habitat.
70/08/25:35 FR 13519/13520 - Proposed Endangered
70/10/13:35 FR 16047/16048 - Listing as Endangered
75/05/16:40 FR 21499/21500 - Determination of Crit. Habit. for all sp.
79/05/21:44 FR 29566/29576 - Five year review
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Aspen-paper birch mature tree
LAND USE -
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, lower perennial AB
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Kendall Warm Springs dace is associated with the numerous
seeps and springs of the Kendall Warm Springs area and its outflow
stream located along the north face of a small limestone ridge. The
Kendall Warm Springs are within the Bridger-Teton NF. Vegetation near
Kendall Warm Springs includes grasses, forbs, and small shrubs and
trees such as willow (Salix), sagebrush (Artemsia), and aspen (Populus
tremuloides). Aquatic vegetation surrounds the stream and is often
very thick within the pools. The most common aquatic species are
monkeyflower (Mimulus), moss, sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus),
and stonewart (Chara contraria). Plant growth is extremely important
since it provides both escape cover and nursery areas for fry (03).
The species occurs in the pools and mainstream eddies of Kendall
Warm Springs and th outflow stream. The stream flows 300 m before
dropping over a travertine embankment into the Green River. Average
streamflow is approximately 0.2 cm/s (7 cf/s) and the average gradient
is 4 percent. Stream width averages 1.8 m (6 ft.) and depth is
usually less than 0.31 m (1 ft.). Water temperature is approximately
29.4 C (85 F) at the spring source. The outfall temperature may drop
to 25.6 C (78 F) during the winter. Water within the Kendall Warm
Springs area is slightly alkaline, well-mineralized and fairly high in
dissolved solids (avg. is 1,014 mg/l). Carbon dioxide is high (12
mg/l) and dissolved oxygen is low (.55 mg/l) at the source of Kendall
Warm Springs. However, concentrations are modified as the water flows
over rocks and gravel within the stream to the point of
supersaturation of dissolved oxygen and 5 mg/l of carbon dioxide have
been recorded in downstream areas (03). Average concentrations of
principal hydrochemicals are; specific conductance (micromhos/square
cm) = 1,261; total dissolved solids = 1,014 mg/l; pH = 7.7; total
alkalinity = 84 mg/l; carbon dioxide = 7.8 mg/l; sulfate = 617 mg/l;
calcium = 205 mg/l; magnesium = 51 mg/l; sodium = 24 mg/l; potassium =
10.0 mg/l; irom = 0.02 mg/l; nitrate nitrogen = 0; chloride = 2.3
mg/l; and, total phosphorous = 0.006 mg/l (03).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Algae
General Vascular Plants-Emergent Nonwoody
General Vascular Plants-Submerged Nonwoody
General Moss
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
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 Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
No specific information on food habits of this species is
available. However, the speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) is
omnivorous, with some preference for vegetable matter. Stomach
content analyses of the Green River speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus
yarrowi) showed mostly insects (02) and it is plausable that the
Kendall Warm Springs dace may consume the same type of organisms.
Benthic invertebrates occurring in Kendall Warm Springs Creek include;
Tendipedidae, Stratiomyiidae, Hydroptila, Elmidae, Hydropohilidae,
Hyaella azteca, Hydracarina, Tipulidae, Heleidae, Cheumatopsyche,
Hydroptila, Argia, Lymnaea, Planorbidae, Erythemis, and Odonata (03).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
No information describing home range or territoriality is
available, although the Kendall Warm Springs dace usually form small
schools. It is not known if this is due to behavioral preferences or
space limitations (01). The Kendall Warm Springs dace numbers seem to
corelate with disolved oxygen and carbon dioxide levels with fewer
fish upstream and none at the Kendall Warm Springs source.
PERIODICITY:
No information available on periodicity concerning the Kendall
Warm Springs dace.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The species is nonmigratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Adult Kendall Warm Springs dace inhabit fairly shallow pools and
streams not more than 0.31 m (1 ft.) in depth. Plant growth within
the water is necessary for escape cover and protection from the main
current. Fry also use the vegetation as nursery areas (01).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Shallow pools and streams not more than 0.31 m deep are used as
breeding sites. Water velocity is fairly slow and water temperature
is approximately 29.4 C (85 F). Fry use aquatic vegetation within the
pools as nursery areas, and fry distribution suggests wide-spread
spawning (01).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Spawning for this species probably occurs several times each
year, and possibly throughout the year (01). Speckled dace raised in
the laboratory reached maturity at two years. The number of eggs
varied with the size of the female, but was generally several hundred
(02).
PARENTAL CARE:
No information available on parental care concerning the Kendall
Warm Springs dace.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Very little information is available regarding population
biology. No thorough estimates of population size has been made.
However, it is believed that the dace is at optimum levels at several
thousand, and no immediate threats have been identified. Management
objectives are to maintain the existing population and protect its
habitat (01). Management objectives have now been met and the
taxonomy of this species now needs to be determined.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
No information is available on species interrelationships
concerning the Kendall Warm Springs dace.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Sport Hunting/Fishing
Existing Sport Hunting/Fishing
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Shoreline modification/development
Existing Shoreline modification/development
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
In the past, the Kendall Warm Springs have been subject to many
human activities which have affected the dace within the Bridger-
Teton National Forest. Cattle have been allowed to graze and trample
plant life in and around the springs area. Cattle were periodically
driven along the east side of the springs and stream. Several rock
dams (passage barriers) have been built to create small pools for
bathing and clothes washing, and soaps and detergents in the water
have damaged aquatic organisms. Seven and one half meters (25 ft.)
of Kendall Warm Springs dace habitat has been replaced by culverts
along a road built in 1934. These culverts (passage barriers) may
prevent the Kendall Warm Springs dace from moving upstream and may
also isolate the upper half of the population (01). The Kendall Warm
Springs dace has also been used as bait by fishermen for many years
and their taking was not regulated (inadequate laws) (01,02).
Since these activities began to affect the Kendall Warm Springs
dace, new regulations were instituted to protect the species. The
Wyoming Game and Fish Department stopped issuance of permits to seine
dace for bait in the 1960's. The Forest Service has fenced 64 ha.
surrounding the springs to prevent access by cattle, and has closed
the springs to wading, bathing, and the use of soap or detergent.
Vehicle access has also been blocked along the stream (01).
The Kendall Warm Springs dace has been limited to its extremely
small habitat in the springs. However, it is believed that optimum
levels have been reached there, and there are no immediate threats to
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
the species (01).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Kendall Warm Springs Dace
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. 30 pp.
Recovery efforts and recovery objectives according to the
Recovery Plan involve:
1) Maintaining the existing population and habitat by monitoring
population levels and maintaining the biological and physical
integrity of stream habitat.
This has been accomplished by limiting human access by vehicle
and restricting road maintenance activities. The USFS has identified
64 ha. (160 acres) as the Kendall Warm Springs Biological Management
Unit. This area has been fenced to exclude grazing and unauthorized
vehicle use has been restricted. The Recovery Plan calls for the
continuation of these actions as well as the continued prohibition of
bathing, washing and use of soaps, detergents, bleaches, and other
cleaning agents in the stream. The prohibition on the use of the dace
for fish bait will continue to be enforced.
2) Determine the taxonomic status of the Kendall Warm Springs
dace. A taxonomic study and research into the life history of the
fish will be conducted.
3) Complete additional research needs. A taxonomic study and
research into the life history of the fish will be conducted.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species DACE, WARM SPRINGS, KENDALL
Species Id ESIS256001
Date 13 MAR 96
References
*****REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE*****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Kendall Warm Springs Dace
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. 30 pp.
02 Baxter, G.T. and J.R. Simon. 1970. Wyoming Fishes. WY Game and
Fish Dept., Cheyenne, WY. 168 pp.
03 Binns, N.A. 1978. Habitat structure of Kendall Warm Springs, with
reference to the Endangered Kendall Warm Springs dace (Rhinichthys
osculus thermalis, Hubbs and Kuhne). Fisheries Technical Bulletin
No. 3, WY Game and Fish Dept., Cheyenne, WY. 45 pp.
*****REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY*****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Kendall Warm Springs Dace
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. 30 pp.
References - 1