Commonly known as Yaqui Chub and Scientifically by Gila purpurea, this freshwater fish belongs to Cypriniformes Order and Cyprinidae Family.
2. Include two photos or one video (no more than two minutes in length) illustrating the organism in its natural setting. Do not use any material showing harm to this organism.
Here are some images of this fish in its natural habitat :
 |
| Yaqui Chub © Hollingsworth/U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
 |
| Gila purpurea Source: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/about/ep_22_2011.html |
When available, Yaqui chub are known to eat aquatic insects and small fish; however, Yaqui chub consume algae, terrestrial insects, and arachnids more often.(eNature.com 2) This makes them the cleaners of their waters, by consuming insects they are controlling population, when munching on an algae, they also making sure that algae does not overgrow and take over the home of this chub. Eating the detritus sediments also help keep bottom of the river clean.
4. Describe at least two ecological services this organism provides for humans and other species (at least two ecological services for each, humans and other species). This might involve its food web.
By eliminating insects, this fish makes a picnic by a river much more pleasant for the humans, because it will not survive in a dirty waters, makes this fish a good indicator of water quality. Clearing detritus helps other inhabitants enjoy clean water, and algae clearings makes light and oxygen available to all.
5. Include and explain in words, a chart or graph showing population of this organism over time.
I can not provide a graph, because information on exact numbers is unavailable.
History:
| 1996 | – | Vulnerable |
| 1994 | – | Vulnerable (Groombridge 1994) |
| 1990 | – | Vulnerable (IUCN 1990) |
| 1988 | – | Vulnerable (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1988) |
| 1986 | – | Vulnerable (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1986) |
As a result of various conservation actions, the current extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to or larger than the historical extent and area (Minckley and Marsh 2009).
Reintroductions have improved the status of the species; large viable stocks now occur in diverse habitats (USFWS 1994, Minckley and Marsh 2009). USFWS (1990) categorized the status as "stable." U.S. populations are low but apparently stable (Arizona Game and Fish Department 2001).
Population trend
|
Unknown
|
IUCN | |
|---|---|---|---|
6. State how the equation I = PAT is involved in the threats to this organism.
As Population grows and Technology allows to pump more and more water, the Affluence grows with all of the above. Impact on this species is : no clean water, no Yaqui Chub.
7. Referring to figure 9-3 in your text book, determine and describe the characteristic(s) that endanger(s) your species.
Specialized niche, Yaqui Chub needs clean flowing water to survive, deep pools in creeks, springheads, scoured areas of cienegas, and other stream-associated quiet waters (USFWS 1994); this fish seeks shade, often near undercut banks or debris; it is often associated with higher aquatic plants (Lee et al. 1980). (3)
8. Determine if this organism is affected by density dependent and/or density independent factors. Explain the situation in some detail.
I believe they are density dependent.
9. Describe the feedback loops involved.
By eating on a algae and detritus, Yaqui Chub helps water in this creeks stay in a healthy condition. By reproducing in a great numbers this fish feeds many more inhabitants of this area.
10. Describe how global climate change is affecting or is predicted to affect this organism’s habitat.
Climate change will effect this Chub. In Arizona in late 1980s, because of the drought, this fish have become extinct and had to be reintroduced back to this creeks.
11. Referring to the three principles of sustainability, why should humans care about this organism?
Just like with any organism on this planet, every species roll is great. By disturbing one small fish we may find out, many years later, that we have eliminated many more species, by not paying attention, or simply by ignorance.
12.Name and give a two or three-sentence description of two individuals (not groups) who are champions of this organism.
Hammerson, G.A. & Ormes, M.
13. Name and give a two or three-sentence description of two individuals (not groups) who do not want this organism protected, at least not in their “own backyard.”
So far I have not found any one who is against of protecting this fishes.
14. Include a link to one recent scientific article or story about this organism that was written or produced in the last year. Suggestions for sources include ScienceNews, ScienceDaily, and NPR. Your article or story must include some peer-reviewed material or state the view of scientific experts. Introduce the links in your report by giving a one or two-sentence summary of each.
Here are some works by US Forest service and US Fish and Wildlife Service about need to protect Yaqui Chub:
Us Forest service
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/NewsReleases
US Fish and Wildlife service
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/NewsReleases/NR_28SpeciesForReviewRO.pdf
Fish and Wildlife service
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/BradyPincushion/28species.pdf
15. State the Precautionary Principle in your own words.
We all make mistakes now and then. We say sorry, apologize, fix, correct... What if we knew about that mistake is about to happen? Will we prevent it from happening? Will we think before we say something that will be regretful later? Yes we will, because we do not like to redo things. Same goes for the nature, if we can gust leave this cactus along, no not dig it up; let this antelope graze, do not shot it; have this elephant enjoy his sun, do not take his tasks. What if this is the last Blue-bird you will ever see? To take precautionary measures, we must appreciate all living things. And to protect them even if we do not see the direct impact on ourselves from them been gone. Let this river flow its natural course, this forest regrow his trees, this marsh provide home for many creatures. Money can not buy happiness, but it does takes a large chunk of it to protect defenseless bats. Or innocent coral.
PS. I know this is not your popular research fish that has many people involved to protect it, and no one has written articles about it, but this little minnow deserves our attention, just because it has its own roll in our diversity and, like all organisms has a right to exist.
Sources:
"Featured Species | Yaqui Chub (09:02)." Endangered Species Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/endangered/about/ep_22_2011.html>.
(The IUCN Red List Threatened Species. Gila purpurea.
NatureServe 2013. Gila purpurea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 17 July 2014.)
"Yaqui Chub Gila purpurea." eNature: FieldGuides: Species Detail. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014. <http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recNum=FI0341>.
(eNature.com Bringing Nature to Life.
Yaqui Chub © Hollingsworth/U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
"Gila purpurea." (Yaqui Chub). N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014. <http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/9190/0>.
Slown, Elizabeth , and Jose Viramontes. "Service Seeks Latest Scientific Information on Health, Population Trends for 28 Species." . Public Affairs Office, PO Box 1306 Albuquerque, NM 87103 , 20 Mar. 2008. Web. 25 July 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/NewsReleases/NR_28SpeciesForReviewRO.pdf>.
"." . N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/BradyPincushion/28species.pdf>.
"." . N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/Federal%20Registers/beautiful_shiner_yaqui_catfish.pdf>.
"." . N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/BradyPincushion/28species.pdf>.
