Research Document - 2010/007

Recovery Potential Modelling of Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) 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 Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) as Endangered in Canada. Here we assess allowable harm, determine a population-based recovery target, conduct long-term projections of population recovery, and quantify habitat requirements in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA). Our analyses demonstrated that the dynamics of Pugnose Shiner populations are particularly sensitive to perturbations that affect survival in the first two years of life, and the fecundity of first-time spawners. Harm to these characteristics of Pugnose Shiner life history should be minimized to avoid jeopardizing the survival and future recovery of Canadian populations. Based on an objective of demographic sustainability (i.e., a selfsustaining population over the long term), we propose abundance recovery targets of at least 1,929 adult fish requiring up to 5 ha of habitat. In the absence of mitigative efforts or additional harm, we estimate that a Pugnose Shiner population will reach this recovery target in 17 to 39 years. These recovery times are expected to increase exponentially with additional harm. However, by affecting at least a 14% increase in survival rates, recovery strategies such as habitat rehabilitation or enhancement can reduce the recovery time of a heavily impacted population by half.

Complete document (PDF, 190 KB)

Accessibility Notice

This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.