Current Research
Re-evaluating the Range of Iowa Darter in Illinois
The Iowa Darter (Etheostoma exile) is listed as a Threatened Species in Illinois thought to be limited to a few streams and the glacial lakes of northern Illinois. Biological surveys in advance of road construction projects have observed this species in small, headwater tributaries that had not been previously sampled. To determine the potential impacts of adding small headwaters to the known habitats of this species, we created species distribution models to guide sampling efforts and ground truthing to refine distribution models. Additionally we are exploring whether distribution models can aid in estimating state-wide populations of Iowa Darters. We are currently raping up field samples. Assessing the Gravel Chub in Illinois
Gravel Chub (Erimystax x-punctatus) is an Illinois Endangered species. We will be evaluating known populations, as well as exploring basins for unknown populations. Exploring the (sub)species designation of Channel Shiner
Whether the Channel Shiner (Notropis whickliffi) is a valid species or sub-species of the Mimic Shiner (Notropis volucellus) is currently debatable. We plan to perform genetic analyses of these fishes from multiple populations in Illinois in hopes of providing more data to evaluate the taxonomy of these fishes. The Fishes of Champaign County
One of my colleagues called this "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants", to which my response was "It's more like trying not to screw it up too badly." The giants he was referring to were some of the previous scientists involved in this study. This is the 5th time sites around Champaign County were collectively sampled. The first being in the 1890s by Forbes and Richardson, founder of the INHS and describers of various fish species. The last 2 were in the 1950s and late 1980s by Weldon Larimore. It was an honor for me to be selected to head up the field research for the 5th Edition! At the end of field season in 2013, we only have the Sangamon Basin left to sample and various small tributaries.
UPDATE: First draft of manuscript is in edits! Link to 1989 version: https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/handle/2142/26519 |
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Iowa Darter (Etheostoma exile)
Gravel Chub from the Kishwaukee River
My crew working up fishes in a stream of Champaign County.
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Future Research
Restoring wetland fish communities in mitigation wetlands
New wetlands are often constructed as a result of mitigation due to developmental projects. Colonization of these wetlands often occurs from near by streams and, especially in disturbed areas, the resulting fish communities are often not representative of historical wetlands. This results in communities that are dominated by species such as Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Bluegill, Yellow and Black Bullhead, and Largemouth Bass. These species, especially Common Carp and Bullhead, have been shown to degrade the water quality and macrophyte communities of wetlands. The objectives of this research are to 1) create healthy fish communities in created wetlands that are similar to historical wetlands in hope to limit the detrimental effects of less desirable species. 2) Determine whether created wetlands can act as a source of beneficial species to surrounding stream systems. 3) Because the species outlined above have shown to be detrimental to amphibian reproduction, determine whether natural communities can benefit amphibian populations by keeping detrimental fish species at bay.
Past ResearchCurrent & Historical Range of Bigeye Chub in Illinois
The Bigeye Chub (Hybopsis amblops) is an Endangered Species in Illinois and at one time was thought to be entirely extirpated from the state. Recent surveys in eastern Illinois have found multiple populations of this species. In order to guide conservation efforts, we analyzed these current populations and estimated this species historical range in Illinois using historical collections data and species distribution models. Our analyses estimated that the Bigeye Chub currently inhabits only a fraction of its historical range and further conservation efforts are needed to restore this species.
Stripetail & Spottail Darters in the Shawnee National ForestBecause of their limited range in Illinois (limited to small, direct tributaries of the Ohio River) we examine the status and distribution of these two species to be considered for the IESB. Field surveys combined with habitat modeling suggested that populations in streams where they were found are steady and habitat modeling suggests that all suitable habitat is currently being inhabited. From this data, and the fact that their range is largely inside the Shawnee National Forest, we did not suggest the species need consideration from the IESB.
My master's thesis research consisted of two parts. First, to perform a basin wide mussel survey of both the La Moine and Spoon Rivers because there had not been a basin wide survey since the 1970s in the Spoon and there had never been one in the La Moine. Second, I used GIS to explore how basin land use affected the mussel communities in both basins. The surveys proved fruitful. The survey of the Spoon found a species not found there since 1898 and a relic shell of a species not previously known to the basin. Likewise, the survey of the La Moine increased the number of live species found there by 3 species. GIS land use analyses showed that pasture land within a basin is the most detrimental to mussel species.
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Bigeye Chub from the Salt Fork of the Vermilion.
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