Wild Valentines

In the arena of the natural world, victory is achieved by your ability to pass on your genes. That’s why, for most species, love is war. Competition is fierce to find (and keep) a mate and territory to raise young. Usually males must compete for the attention of females, who can be rather picky. After…

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The Remarkable Recovery of the Virgin River Chub

A person holding a fish in their hands.

Desert Denizen Beautiful and elusive, the Virgin River Chub is the top native predator in the Virgin River. It is a fast, streamlined fish with a sloped forehead, humped back, and thin, rounded tail. Chub can grow to a length of 18 inches and live more than 10 years in the wild. Collaborative Conservation Unfortunately,…

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Charting New Waters: The Virgin Spinedace’s Path to Recovery

A person holding a small fish in their hands.

The Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis) is a unique minnow species found exclusively in the Virgin River’s upper streams across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Despite not being closely related to trout, the Virgin Spinedace shares a similar streamlined shape and lifestyle. These silvery fish, typically 3-5 inches long, are most at home in the deeper pools…

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