User:Raquelycaza/Amargosa River

Lead
'The Amargosa River is one out of two rivers located in the California portion of the Mojave Desert with perenial flow. '

Wildlife
'The wildlife within the Amargosa River region, nestled in a portion of the Mojave Desert designated is an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is under protection to conserve the diverse plant and animal species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Among these endangered species are the Amargosa vole, Least Bell's Vireo, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, recognized at both state and federal levels. Moreover, the state of California acknowledges the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, Swainson's Hawk, and Amargosa Niterwort as species under threat. Additionally, two desert fish species, the Amargosa Pupfish and Amargosa Speckled Dace, inhabit these regions and hold the designation of sensitive species according to the BLM.'

Amargosa Pup Fish
'The Amargosa River Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae) are one of the most notable residents of the Amargosa River. The species seems to be flourishing in the Amargosa Canyon, where its habitat has been safeguarded as a Wild and Scenic River, largely due to the efforts of the Amargosa Conservancy. They primarily reproduce in loose groups, with males displaying minimal aggression and frequently engaging in courtship behavior towards females. However, a subset of males in this population stake out and protect specific breeding territories along the warm, shallow areas of the river. These territorial males exhibit aggression and only occasionally engage in courtship behaviors towards females'

Amargosa Speckled Dace
'The Amargosa River hosts three separate populations of Speckled Dace, situated in Oasis Valley near Beatty, Ash Meadows, and the Amargosa Canyon. An interesting revelation concerns the genetic makeup of these fish, indicating an unexpected level of connectivity along the river. Particularly noteworthy is the genetic blend observed in the speckled dace population of the Amargosa Canyon, incorporating traits from both the Oasis Valley and Ash Meadows populations. This suggests that during significant flood events, speckled dace are capable of traversing considerable distances along the Amargosa River, covering nearly 100 miles from Beatty to below Tecopa. These findings propose a level of interconnection among these populations not previously recognized in the pupfish.'

Amargosa River Project
'The Amargosa River is home to several crucial conservation areas, highlighting a diverse array of habitats like dunes, mesquite forests, springs, marshes, and riverbanks, all interconnected across the expansive watershed. Stretching nearly 3 million acres along the California-Nevada border, this region faces threats from urban development, recreation, and invasive species. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is actively working to protect this ecosystem by preserving natural water flow, safeguarding native species like Amargosa Pupfish and Speckled Dace, as well as restoring critical habitats. The Nature Conservancy’s goal is to ensure the health of the natural water flow and processes in the Amargosa River area, supporting essential plants and animals. They also strive to maintain healthy populations of native fish, including Pupfish, Speckled dace, and Amargosa Toads. Moreover, they aim to enhance connections between various habitats, such as springs and upland areas, and restore natural conditions of springs and riverbanks to benefit native fish, amphibians, and snails. Collaborating with local public land management agencies, TNC plans sustainable land management strategies that prioritize nature long term. These efforts are vital for the survival of over 100 targeted plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the area. Protecting these habitats' integrity is essential for maintaining connectivity among different ecosystems and ensuring the watershed's overall health. '

Further reading[edit]

 * Stoffer, Philip (January 14, 2004). "Changing Climates and Ancient Lakes" (.html). Desert Landforms and Surface Processes in the Mojave National Preserve and Vicinity. Open-File Report 2004-1007. USGS, US Department of the Interior. Archived from the original on October 23, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
 * Stoffer, Philip (January 14, 2004). "The Mojave River and Associated Lakes" (.html). Desert Landforms and Surface Processes in the Mojave National Preserve and Vicinity. Open-File Report 2004-1007. USGS, US Department of the Interior. Retrieved September 12, 2009.