INHF Fall 2009 magazine: Partners protect endangered Topeka shiner

This article first appeared in INHF's Fall 2009 magazine.

Kraig McPeek, USFWS

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is a small fish, about three inches long at maturity, with a unique chevron marking near the base of its tail fin. In spring, the males’ fins turn a dazzling orange-red (shown here). Though still found in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, this species’ dependence upon rapidly disappearing oxbow habitats has put it on the federally endangered list.

Continued from part 1
Habitat loss

Topeka shiners eat almost anything, from insects to algae particles, so their problem isn’t diet.

Instead, it’s the disappearance of their favorite habitat. Studies conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the University of Minnesota show that Topeka shiners can tolerate higher water temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen levels, the exact conditions found in oxbows.

Oxbows occur along unaltered streams and rivers, which naturally meander into a series of S-shaped curves. Erosion eventually cuts off outside loops from the main stream. These loops become U-shaped ponds, known as oxbows, which reconnect to the stream during high water conditions. However, when streams are straightened and channelized, oxbows disappear—along with dependent species like Topeka shiners.

Partners respond

In 2000 the USFWS, in partnership with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and more than 20 private landowners, began implementing habitat restoration projects for the Topeka shiner. Other partners include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy. These efforts have focused exclusively on tributaries of the North Raccoon River in Greene, Calhoun and Sac counties.

Between 2001 and 2009, the partners restored the hydrology and habitat in 20 oxbows by excavating silt out of the oxbow. The restoration was designed to complement the landowners’ farming operations.

None of the 20 projects supported aquatic life (from tadpoles to Topeka shiners) before the excavation, but all support fish and other aquatic life today. Sampling in spring of 2009 produced incredible results. Researchers found at least one Topeka shiner in 9 of 10 restored oxbows, including 354 Topeka shiners in one oxbow alone.

Kraig McPeek, USFWS

Kraig McPeek (second from left) shows INHF interns how to identify Topeka shiners in preparation for analyzing populations in a restored oxbow.

Planned responses

Over the next couple of years the USFWS, INHF, private landowners and other conservation partners will restore an additional 30 oxbow habitats throughout the North Raccoon River Watershed, focusing on tributary streams such as the Buttrick, Cedar, Lake, Camp and others. Applying what we have learned from our early projects, future projects are even more likely to support these rare shiners.

The dedicated response of conservation organizations and private landowners has improved the future of this fascinating little fish. If only people like Seth Meeks were here today to see how well Iowa’s towns, agriculture and fish can coexist, as demonstrated in the North Raccoon River watershed. More...

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.

Perennials: Ecology College

Topeka shiner, restoring a
'prairie remnant' (part 2 of 3)

Perennials: Ecology College

Topeka shiner, restoring a 'prairie remnant' (part 2 of 3)

Topeka shiner, restoring a
'prairie remnant' (part 2 of 3)