Bird Predation in Juvenile Colorado Pikeminnow Habitat at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Utah

Author

• Julie R. Stiver, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Wildland Resources

Department name when degree awarded

Fisheries and Wildlife

Abstract

Four endangered endemic fishes inhabit waters in the Upper Colorado River basin. These species are Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Xyrauchen texanus), bonytail chub (Gila elegans), and humpback chub (G. cypha). Water development throughout the basin has altered turbidity, water temperature, salinity, and flow creating a less suitable habitat for these species (Miller and Hubert 1990). Non-native fish species have also been introduced to the  system, creating competition for the native species.  Piscivorus bird species and their hunting behavior in juvenile Colorado pikeminnow habitat was analyzed. Piscivorus birds were frequent visitors to juvenile pikeminnow habitat. However, no significant decrease was found between frequency of visits to juvenile pikeminnow habitat and other fish habitats. Although piscivorus birds fish in juvenile pikeminnow habitat, my results did not indicate that the birds selectively fished in pikeminnow habitat. Other issues, such as competition and predation from non-native fish species, are probably more important to Colorado pikeminnow conservation.

Recommended Citation

Stiver, Julie R., "Bird Predation in Juvenile Colorado Pikeminnow Habitat at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Utah" (1999). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1080.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1080