Print PageThe population decline of rare and endangered fish and mussel species has become a topic of concern. The Sabine shiner, Notropis sabinae, blue sucker, Cyleptus elongatus, creek chubsucker, Erimyzon oblongus, sandbank pocketbook, Lampsilis satura, southern hickorynut, Obovaria jacksoniana, Louisiana pigtoe, Pleurobema riddellii, and Texas pigtoe, Fusconaia askewi, are rare species that have been collected in the Sabine and Neches River in East Texas. Little information is known about the ecology of these species. Ecological niche modeling is being used, with geological, landuse/landcover, TOPMODEL hydrographic data layers, and the software package MAXENT, to predict the probability of occurrence of rare fish and mussel species in these rivers. Through the use of this software, we will be able to determine locations and quantities of similar habitat and geomorphology in the Sabine and Neches Rivers to help describe the amount of available habitat for these species and predict their probability of occurrence.
Results/Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest that imperiled species are associated with Quaternary rock formations. In Texas, groundwater springs are commonly found within these geological structures. These groundwater sources may impact a variety of environmental conditions necessary for both fish and mussel species.
