Research Document - 2008/006

Recovery target and long-term projections for the Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei)

By L.A. Vélez-Espino and M.A. Koops

Abstract

In 2005, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) as Threatened in Canada. Here we build on previous population modelling aimed at assessing allowable harm to present abundance recovery targets and long-term projections in support of a recovery potential assessment (RPA). Based on a demographic sustainability objective (i.e., the population is self-sustaining over the long term), we propose abundance recovery targets of 8 049 adult Black Redhorse per population, which will require up to 621 544 m² of adult habitat per population. Current population abundances are unknown, so long-term projections were generated from an initial population size 10% of the target. These projections show that 8 049 adults is an attainable target and that adult population structure is expected to have a low influence in the recovery timeframes. Our analyses indicate that the best way to reduce the uncertainty in population responses to recovery is to aim for a proactive recovery strategy, targeting several vital rates simultaneously.

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