The complete proceedings of this symposium were published as a special publication of the DFC. Hard copies are available from the Executive Secretary (see bottom of page) or the entire volume, or separate reprints of papers in it, may be downloaded in pdf format.

 

Aquatic Fauna of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert

Special Session

Thirty-Third Annual Symposium of the Desert Fishes Council

17 November 2001

Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas

 

The aquatic fauna of the Rio Grande drainage within the Chihuahuan Desert (Northern Chihuahuan Desert) is diverse and unique.  In recent years, conservation of Northern Chihuahuan Desert aquatics has garnered increasing public attention.  Much of this attention stems from recognition of the Chihuahuan Desert and Rio Grande basin as containing high biodiversity.  In large part, aquatic fauna (including fishes) of this region has received only a moderate level of attention from the scientific and natural resource management communities.  Northern Chihuahuan Desert aquatic habitats and associated fauna have been impacted by activities similar to those imperiling aquatic desert faunal assemblages elsewhere.  As a result, the condition of aquatic habitats and status of the resident fauna is ever-changing and in some instances critically imperiled or altered, escalating the importance of improved awareness and understanding.

On 15-18 November 2001, the Desert Fishes Council (DFC) will hold their annual meeting in Alpine, Texas hosted by Sul Ross State University.  The location of the meeting within the Northern Chihuahuan Desert provides an opportunity to focus attention on the diversity of the resident aquatic fauna and related conservation issues.  A special session within the DFC Annual Symposium is being planned to focus solely on the Northern Chihuahuan Desert.  This session will be a comprehensive overview of the aquatic fauna, habitats, and conservation issues within the region.

Specific objectives of the special session include:

• comprehensive characterization of aquatic habitats and biotic communities: primary emphasis on fishes but other fauna will be included;

• preservation of personal experiences: perspectives on the natural history of aquatic fauna will be provided by scientists who have lived and worked in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert for many decades;

• advocacy for the Northern Chihuahuan Desert: habitats and fauna of special significance and/or concern will be discussed.

The special session will be organized into three sections (four to five presenters each): 

• introductory section: providing historical and geographical setting;

• spring fauna section: focusing on status and conservation of manantial faunal diversity;

• riverine fauna section:  concentrating on fluvial fishes and related conservation issues.

Contributors to the special session are being invited.  The organizers plan to compile the content of the special session in a written form, published subsequent to the special session.  The session will include up to 14 presentations/manuscripts.  The completed volume will be a valuable compilation of information for scientists and resource managers. Dr. Gary Garrett of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has agreed to serve as managing editor.

For further information please contact either:

                        Nathan Allan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas (512) 490-0057 ext. 237; nathan_allan_at_fws.gov

 or:

                        Chris Hoagstrom, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico (505) 346-2538 ext. 131; hoagstrom_at_brookings.net

Cooperators for the Special Session include Desert Fishes Council, Sul Ross State University, The Nature Conservancy of Texas, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Return to DFC Alpine meeting information.