Posts Tagged ‘conservation biology’
The Remarkable Recovery of the Virgin River Chub
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,…
Read MoreCharting New Waters: The Virgin Spinedace’s Path to Recovery
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…
Read MoreGila Monsters: Beneath the Scales of Utah’s State Reptile
By Tyson Victor Fall is an excellent time to search for one of Utah’s most iconic creatures, the Gila monster. This large lizard spends most of the summer underground to escape the blistering heat, then emerges in the autumn seeking sustenance before winter brumation (akin to hibernation). Washington County, located within the Mojave Desert, is…
Read MoreThe Endangered Species Act: Celebrating 50 Years of Success in Wildlife Conservation
[Originally posted by the U.S. Department of the Interior] This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), providing the opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work ahead for protecting our nation’s endangered species and their habitats. The Act has saved hundreds of species from extinction and continues to…
Read MoreEndangered Species Mitigation Fund allocates $4.4 million to fund 42 wildlife conservation projects in 2023
[Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] SALT LAKE CITY — A total of $4.4 million was allocated to dozens of wildlife-related projects at the recent annual Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund meeting on May 3. The Endangered Species Mitigation Fund was created in 1997 to direct funds toward…
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