Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society

1981, Volume 17


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Year1981
Volume17
TitleDistribution and Status of Fishes of the Genus Gila (Cyprinidae) in the Northwestern Great Basin
Author(s)Jack E. Williams, Cynthia D. Williams
ArticleLink to PDF

Abstract:
The distribution and status of fishes of the genus Gila were determined in 36 endorheic basins of the northwestern Great Basin. Seventeen (47%) of the 36 basins of the northwestern Great Basin. Seventeen (47%) of the 36 basins contain native populations of Gila; represented by G. bicolor, G. alvordensis, and G. boraxobius. All basins inhabited by Gila, except the Alvord, contain G. bicolor. Undescribed endemic subspecies of G. bicolor occur in the Silver Lake/Fort Rock, Summer, Alkali, Catlow, Guano, Goose Lake, and Dixie Basins. The large number of undescribed subspecies indicates the need for taxonomic surveys. Increased demand for water, associated with agricultural and energy developments, accents the need for ichthyological studies as several taxa are threatened with extinction. Gila boraxobius, G. bicolor subsp. (of Hutton Spring in Alkali Basin), G. bicolor subsp. (of Summer Basin), and G. b. vaccaceps are especially in need of protection.


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