Cooperative conservation of endemic black bass species in the southeastern U.S.

The southeastern US harbors a diversity of aquatic species and habitats unparalleled in North America, including more than 500 species endemic to the region.  Of the nine described species of black bass (genus Micropterus), six are endemic to the southeastern US:  Guadalupe bass, shoal bass, redeye bass, Florida bass, Alabama spotted bass, and Suwannee bass.  Additionally, many undescribed forms also exist in the region, with most in need of conservation measures to prevent them from becoming imperiled.  Factors such as hydrologic alteration, habitat destruction, reduced water quality, and the effects of nonindigenous species will likely continue to contribute to increased rates of imperilment of native species in the region, including several species of endemic black bass.  Furthermore, of the black bass species with the greatest conservation needs, all are endemic to the southeastern US and found in relatively small ranges.  In an effort to focus and coordinate actions to conserve these species, state and federal agencies, universities, and NGOs from across the region have come together with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to develop a new NFWF Keystone Initiative.  This presentation will highlight specific conservation strategies being implemented through the initiative and discuss progress towards identified conservation targets.