Conservation of the Imperiled Holiday Darter Etheostoma brevirostrum in Alabama

The Coosa River occurs within the Alabama Valley and Ridge physiographic region in NE Alabama.  In terms of the number of aquatic species, the Coosa watershed is the largest and most biodiverse subwatershed of the Mobile River Basin.  It is estimated that this watershed may support the largest number of endangered and threatened species of fishes, bivalves, and snails occurring in any Alabama waterway of comparable size.  Among those fish species considered of high conservation concern in Alabama is the Holiday darter, Etheostoma brevirostrum.  These species occur primarily in the upper Choccolocco creek subwatershed of the Coosa River, specifically in the Shoal Creek District of the Talladega National Forest.  Holiday darter populations were historically abundant in Choccolocco and Shoal creeks, however, they are currently limited to Shoal creek.  Shoal Creek populations were fragmented in the 1970s when flood control impoundments were constructed in the highlands of the Forest.  Twenty-two sites were surveyed for Holiday darter populations during 2007-2009.  Nearly 5,000 fish were identified and included 7 families, 15 genera, and 27 species.  Although fragmented, stream conditions appear stable and support relatively dense Holiday darter populations in some locations.  Currently, we are examining the genetic composition of this species through its range to aid in immediate and future conservation plans.