Research Document - 2010/096

Recovery Potential Modelling of Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) in Canada

By P.A. Venturelli, L.A. Vélez-Espino, and M.A. Koops

Abstract

In 2002, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) as Threatened in Canada. Here we assess allowable harm, determine a population-based recovery target, and conduct long-term projections of population recovery in support of a recovery potential assessment (RPA). Our analyses demonstrated that the dynamics of Channel Darter populations are particularly sensitive to perturbations that affect survival in the first three years of life, and the fecundity of first- and second-time spawners. Harm to these characteristics of Channel Darter life history should be minimized to avoid jeopardizing the survival and future recovery of Canadian populations. Based on the objective of achieving demographic sustainability (i.e., a self-sustaining population over the long term), we propose abundance recovery targets of at least 6 800 adult fish requiring up to 125.2 ha of habitat. We estimate that a typical Channel Darter population could reach this recovery target in 18 to 37 years (6 to 13 generations) in the absence of mitigative efforts or additional harm, and that these recovery times will increase exponentially with additional harm. However, by affecting at least a 10% increase in survival rates, recovery strategies such as habitat rehabilitation or enhancement could reduce the recovery time of a heavily impacted population by half.

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