Habitat Use and Streamflow Needs of Rare and Endangered Fishes, Yampa River, Colorado

摘要

In the Yampa River, stream habitat needs and life history requirements of Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Gila cypha), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), and other native Colorado River fishes are presently maintained by flow regimens approximating natural conditions. Yampa River flows are also important in reducing adverse water management practices in the downstream Green River. Management for recovery of endangered fishes in the Yampa River will require specific flows to provide seasonal requirements at different locations: high spring flows associated with the initiation of Colorado squawfish spawning migrations, humpback chub and razorback sucker spawning, and maintenance of spawning bars and eddy habitats; descending summer flows associated with Colorado squawfish spawning, downstream transport of larvae, and creation of nursery habitat; stable winter flows to remove the threat of ice damage to shoreline areas used by many species. Acquisition of Yampa River water rights may be the decisive factor in conservation of endangered fish species in the Green River basin.