Before It's Gone: Recommendations for Sampling Methodology and Stream Prioritization of an Imperiled Minnow Species

With limited resources for species conservation, the characterization of populations along the scales of irreplaceability and threat has become a prioritization tool. Since its discovery in 1998, 3 separate targeted range-wide surveys for Clinch Dace (Chrosomus sp cf saylori) increase confidence that the putative distribution of this species is confined to 9 south-flowing tributaries of the Upper Clinch River, Virginia.  Furthermore, the species occurs at low densities in headwater streams. Here we provide updated distribution records and population abundance estimates. We compared detection probability among minnow trapping, backpack electrofishing, and preliminary results from environmental DNA sampling. Clinch Dace occupied 17% of stream reaches sampled in 2014; these were lower gradient with run or pool habitat. We also characterize the habitat and analyze a historical mining land cover data. We failed to detect Clinch Dace in 4 streams where they had been detected in previous surveys. Backpack electrofishing detected Clinch Dace at more sites than minnow traps. Watersheds containing Clinch Dace are in private ownership; land disturbance, impassable culverts, and mining and gas development may pose threats. We describe opportunities for conservation of existing populations and areas where population connectivity may be facilitated.