<< J.R.,
Was the boulder darter always a small population or did something occur to
imperil them.
Jim Graham >>
Jim,
The only other known record is from Shoal Creek, in Alabama. The locality
where the boulder darters were collected (prior to the impoundment of the
Tennessee River) is now impounded. There are some good looking localities in
Shoal Creek, which has improved quite a bit over the past 25 years. We hope
to be able to reintroduce boulder darters (spotfin chubs as well) to Shoal
Creek sometime in the next couple of years.
There's little doubt that the population in the Elk is much smaller than in
years past. The Elk is impacted by poor agricultural practices, impoundments
and wastewater runoff.
Could be boulder darters once inhabited the main channel of the Tennessee R.
in the area near the southern bend of the river. We've done some surveying
below Wilson Reservoir, but didn't find any. There were other darters there,
so it's not out of the question that they're still hanging on.
Several of the sister species also have fairly restricted
ranges.....Coppercheek darters for example.
J.R.
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