Blackstripe Topminnow Evaluation
This document describes the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû’s evaluation of the Blackstripe Topminnow. This evaluation determines whether the species will receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû (COSSARO) Assessed by COSSARO as Special Concern
May, 2012
Final
Part 1 – Current status and distribution
Current designations
- GRANK – G5 (NatureServe 2012)
- NRANK Canada – N2 (NatureServe 2012)
- COSEWIC – Special Concern (COSEWIC, 2012)
- SARA – Special Concern (Schedule 1) (Environment Canada, 2012)
- ESA 2007 – Special Concern (Ministry of Natural Resources, 2005)
- SRANK – S2 (NatureServe 2012)
Distribution in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû
The Blackstripe Topminnow distribution in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû is limited to the Sydenham River drainage in southwestern °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû. The area of occupancy is approximately 500 km2 based on 2 x 2 km squares, or 300 km2 based on 1 x 1 km squares which is likely high, given the narrow stream habitat this fish uses (COSEWIC 2012).
Distribution and status outside °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû
The Blackstripe Topminnow is found throughout much of the Mississippi River drainage in the United States from Michigan and Wisconsin to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Generally the Blackstripe Topminnow is abundant in its US distribution and is ranked as N5 nationally in the US, although the more northern range is more sparsely populated (COSEWIC, 2012).
Part 2 – Eligibility for °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû status assessment
2.1 Application of eligibility criteria
Taxonomic distinctness
Yes. The Blackstripe Topminnow is a well characterized and valid species, with one other congener in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû, the Banded Killifish (F. diaphanous), which has an overlapping range. The two species are morphologically and genetically distinct (Bernardi & Powers 1995).
Designatable units
Although no genetic analysis has been undertaken, there are no subspecies recognized for the Blackstripe Topminnow. Only a single designatable unit is recognized based on their restricted range within a single drainage (Sydenham River) in southwestern °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû.
Native status
Yes. Although the Blackstripe Topminnow was first reported in the Sydenham drainage in 1972; however, it is likely that it has always been present in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû but limited sampling of the Sydenham River prior to that failed to detect it. Additionally, the discontinuous Blackstripe Topminnow distribution (a break between the °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû and US populations) and low human transfer potential (it generally is not used as a baitfish) makes it unlikely that the Blackstripe Topminnow is introduced.
Presence/absence
Present. °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû populations were confirmed by OMNR sampling in 2010.
2.2 Eligibility results
- The putative taxon or DU is valid.Yes
- The taxon or DU is native to °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû.Yes
- The taxon or DU is present in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû, extirpated from °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû or extinct? Present
Part 3 – °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû status based on COSSARO evaluation criteria
3.1 Application of primary criteria (rarity and declines)
1. Global rank
Not in any category (G5)
2. Global decline
Not in any category No evidence for declines globally, and range expansions have been reported in Ohio and Wisconsin (COSEWIC 2012).
3. Northeastern North America ranks
Special concern: The Blackstripe Topminnow is ranked as extremely rare [SX, SH, S1 or S2] in 2 (ON, MI) of the 8 (25%) northeastern North American jurisdictions where it occurs (°ÄÃÅÓÀÀû=S2, Wisconsin=S4, Michigan=S2S3, Iowa=S3, Illinois=S5, Indiana=S5, Kentucky=S4S5, Ohio=S4).
4. Northeastern North America decline
Not in any category: There is no evidence for population decline for any of the Northeastern Blackstripe Topminnow range; however, there are few quantitative population size estimates.
5. °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû occurrences
Threatened: The sites where Blackstripe Topminnow have been most recently collected form 8, largely isolated, populations within the Sydenham River watershed 1) Sydenham River, 2) North Sydenham River, 3) Little Bear Creek, 4), Maxwell Creek, 5) Black Creek, 6) Whitebread Drain, 7) Bear Creek, and 8) a complex of four, small unnamed tributary streams between Little Bear Creek and Whitebread Drain (COSEWIC 2012).
6. °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû decline
Insufficient information: Although there is no evidence for a decline in the number of Blackstripe Topminnow populations in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû (COSEWIC 2012), there are no data on the numbers within each population for any sampling period, thus population decline cannot be assessed.
7. °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû’s Conservation responsibility
Not in any category: °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû represents a very small proportion (<1%) of the global Blackstripe Topminnow Range (COSEWIC 2012)
3.2 Application of secondary criteria (threats and vulnerability)
8. Population sustainability
Insufficient information There have been no quantitative population size estimates, nor any population viability analyses performed for the species in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû. Little is known concerning the reproductive biology of the Blackstripe Topminnow, and recruitment has not been measured.
9. Lack of regulatory protection for exploited wild populations
Not in any category: The Blackstripe Topminnow is not exploited.
10. Direct threats
Special concern: The Blackstripe Topminnow prefers turbid waters and is tolerant to warm, low oxygenated waters and was found to replace banded killifish (F. diaphanus) in Ohio when turbidity increases (Trautman 1981). McAllister (1987) noted that destruction of aquatic vegetation and bank cover by livestock limits this species in the headwaters of Black Creek, and such activity could pose a threat in other areas. Wetland drainage is also a general cited threat. The specific threat of oil seepage from wells in the vicinity of Black Creek is identified as a potential threat as is competition from invasive fishes (in particular the Round Goby) (COSEWIC 2012), however Holm (1997) captured several specimens from three sites in this drainage in 1996 and the population appears stable based on later sampling. Since virtually all of the habitat for this species is outside of protected areas and is limited to a relatively small area that is intensively cultivated, the Blackstripe Topminnow is at high risk from habitat disturbance or loss. However, the species is relatively adaptable to poor water quality and streamside vegetation appears to be stable or increasing (SCRCA 2008) and therefore direct threats are unlikely to exceed about 25% of the species range, thereby fitting the Special Concern criteria.
11. Specialized life history or habitat–use characteristics
Not in any category: The Blackstripe Topminnow prefers small to large, low-gradient streams and sloughs of moderate to high turbidity (Shute 1980). In Canada, the Blackstripe Topminnow is found in turbid waters with silt, rubble and boulder substrates across a range of water quality (McAllister 1987; Mandrak et al. 2006). Streamside and instream vegetation appears to be important for this species (McAllister 1987). The species is unique in that it almost exclusively feeds on the surface on insects, but this behaviour does not seem to make it especially sensitive to disturbance
3.3 COSSARO evaluation results
1. Criteria satisfied in each status category
Number of primary and secondary criteria met in each status category:
- Endangered – 0/0
- Threatened – 1/0
- Special concern – 1/1
°ÄÃÅÓÀÀû-specific criteria met in each status category:
- Endangered – 0
- Threatened – 1
- Special concern – 0
2. Data deficiency
No. Although there are 2 criteria assessed as "insufficient information" because of lack of information on population trends, the number of recent records at a variety of locations suggests that populations are stable.
3. Status based on COSSARO evaluation criteria
The application of COSSARO evaluation criteria suggests that the Blackstripe Topminnow is of Special Concern in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû. One primary criterion meets Threatened, which relates to the restricted range and small number of populations within °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû. One primary and one secondary criteria qualify as Special Concern resulting from rarity in northeastern jurisdictions and threats. The Blackstripe Topminnow is peripheral to °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû and the populations appear to be stable, therefore a status of Special Concern has been assigned.
Part 4 – °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû status based on COSEWIC evaluation criteria
4.1 Application of COSEWIC criteria
Regional (°ÄÃÅÓÀÀû) COSEWIC criteria assessment
Criterion A – Decline in total number of mature individuals
Insufficient information: No data for °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû populations.
Criterion B – Small distribution range and decline or fluctuation
Not in any category: The °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû Blackstripe Topminnow occupy ~ 300 km2 of stream habitat in a very limited geographical range (Sydenham River drainage), which would qualify as Endangered on this criteria alone but there is no evidence that the number of populations are declining.
Criterion C – Small and declining number of mature individuals
Not in any category: The total number of sites with Blackstripe Topminnow is small; however the populations appear to be stable (COSEWIC 2012).
Criterion D – Very small or restricted total population
Not in any category: The Blackstripe Topminnow occupies a very limited range and the population number is not known but it certainly well above the threshold of 1000 to qualify for this criterion.
Criterion E – Quantitative analysis
Insufficient information: No data exists for °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû populations.
Rescue effect
No: There is little known information concerning natural dispersal in the Blackstripe Topminnow. The nearest known populations in southern Michigan is approximately 100 km away, and separated by open water habitat, therefore natural dispersal is unlikely.
Special concern status
Yes. Blackstripe Topminnow has a very restricted range within °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû and a range occupancy of ~ 300 km2 and therefore it qualifies as Endangered under the area of occupancy part of Criterion B, but does not meet the decline part. Consequently it qualifies as Special Concern under the COSEWIC criteria.
4.2 COSEWIC evaluation results
1. Criteria satisfied in each status category
- Endangered – no
- Threatened – no
- Special concern– yes
2. Data Deficiency
No:
3. Status Based on COSEWIC evaluation criteria
The application of COSEWIC evaluation criteria suggests that Blackstripe Topminnow is Special Concern in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû.
Part 5– °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû status determination
5.1 Application of COSSARO and COSEWIC criteria
COSSARO and COSEWIC criteria give the same result. Yes
5.2 Summary status evaluation
The application of COSEWIC evaluation criteria suggests that Blackstripe Topminnow is Special Concern in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû.
The Blackstripe Topminnow (Fundulus notatus) occurs in lowland areas of the southern Great Lakes, throughout much of the Mississippi basin, and along the lower coastal plain from Texas to Alabama and is native to 16 US states (not listed special concern in any state). The Blackstripe Topminnow prefers turbid waters and is tolerant to warm low oxygenated waters and appears dependent on aquatic vegetation and bank cover. °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû Blackstripe Topminnow populations appear stable; however a lack of quantitative demographic and reproductive data make population size decline difficult to assess. The species in Canada is restricted to a small range in a highly developed drainage, and thus may be susceptible to habitat disturbance and loss. The Blackstripe Topminnow is of Special Concern in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû due to their small and isolated distribution, coupled with the highly developed nature of their range. Both quantitative demographic data and, to a lesser extent, genetic data are identified as deficient.
Information sources
1. Literature cited
Bernardi, G. and D.A. Powers. 1995. Phylogenetic relationships among nine species from the Genus Fundulus (Cyprinodontiformes, Fundulidae) inferred from sequences of the Cytochrome b gene. Copeia 2 469-47.
Holm, E. 1997. Sampling for rare species in Southwestern °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû, 1996. Royal °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû Museum, unpublished report. 3 p.
Mandrak, N.E., J. Barnucz, D. Marson and G.J. Velema. 2006. Targeted, wadeable sampling of fish species at risk in the Lake St. Clair watershed of southwestern °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû, 2003. Canadian Manuscript Report Fisheries Aquatic 657 Sciences 2779 v + 26 pp.
McAllister, D.E. 1987. Status of the Blackstripe Topminnow, Fundulus notatus, in Canada. Canadian Field-Naturalist 101 219-225.
Shute, J.R. 1980. Fundulus notatus, Blackstripe Topminnow. p. 521. In D. S. Lee et al. <eds.> Atlas of freshwater fishes of North America. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Biological Survey Publication Number 1980-12.
SCRCA 2008. Watershed report card. St. Clair Region. St Clair Region Conservation Authority. Available at Trautman, M. B. 1981. The fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus, Ohio.
2. Community and Aboriginal traditional knowledge sources
No community knowledge or traditional Aboriginal knowledge was available.
3. Acknowledgements:
Dr. Nicholas Mandrak provided valuable information for this assessment.
Appendix 1
Northeastern North America status rank and decline
| States and Provinces | Subnational Rank: Give SRANK or write "Not present" for each jurisdiction | Sources | Decline: Give percent decline in abundance or areal extent in each jurisdiction or indicate that there has been an unquantified but generally recognized population decline/range contraction by writing "Yes, unquantified." | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT | Not present | |||
| DE | Not present | |||
| IL | S5 | COSEWIC | ||
| IN | S5 | COSEWIC | ||
| IA | S3 | COSEWIC | ||
| LB | Not present | |||
| KY | S4S5 | COSEWIC | ||
| MA | Not present | |||
| MB | Not present | |||
| MD | Not present | |||
| ME | Not present | |||
| MI | S2S3 | COSEWIC | ||
| MN | Not present | |||
| NB | Not present | |||
| NF | Not present | |||
| NH | Not present | |||
| NJ | Not present | |||
| NS | Not present | |||
| NY | Not present | |||
| OH | S4 | COSEWIC | ||
| ON | S2 | COSEWIC | ||
| PA | Not present | |||
| PE | Not present | |||
| QC | Not present | |||
| RI | Not present | |||
| VA | Not present | |||
| VT | Not present | |||
| WI | S4 | COSEWIC | ||
| WV | Not present |
Occurs as a native species in 8 of 29 northeastern jurisdictions
SRANK or equivalent information available for 8 of 8 jurisdictions = (100%) S1, S2, SH, or SX in 2 of 8 = (25%)