USFWS Determines Endangered Designation for Rio Grand Cutthroats Not Warranted
OutdoorHub 10.02.14
After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) found that listing the Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis) under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted at this time. Therefore, the Service will remove this subspecies from the candidate list.
The Service found that the Rio Grande cutthroat trout is not in danger of extinction throughout its range or in a significant portion of its range now, nor is it likely to become so in the foreseeable future. However, the Service is asking the public to submit any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout at any time.
The Service is requesting that any new information concerning the status of, or threats to, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout be submitted to the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office at 2105 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. New information will help the Service monitor the Rio Grande cutthroat trout and encourage its conservation. If an emergency situation develops for Rio Grande cutthroat trout the Service will consider an appropriate response under the Act. This finding is available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS-R2-ES-2014-0042.
Rio Grande cutthroat trout (a subspecies of cutthroat trout) inhabit high elevation streams in New Mexico and southern Colorado where they need clear, cold, highly oxygenated water, clean gravel substrates, a network of pools and runs, and an abundance of food (typically aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or http://www.fws.gov/southwest.
Contact
Lesli Gray, (972) 569-8588, Lesli_Gray@fws.gov
