CPW works to rebuild population of small but mighty native fish
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) native aquatic species biologist is working to recover the Arkansas Darter in Sand Creek.
It is a smaller fish, about three inches in size, with a spotted back. In recent decades, CPW says the species has experienced a drastic decline in its population.
“The project, ongoing since 2023, is working to establish a robust, self-replicating population of Arkansas Darter within the Colorado Springs region. The collaboration is promoting biodiversity in Colorado Springs waterways," CPW Native Aquatic Species Biologist Alex Jouney said in a press release.
But before they are on their own, Alex spent a few minutes tempering the fish, a process in which he slowly introduced the river water in buckets to make sure no fish are shocked and killed.
Since the start of the project, it has been discovered that Colorado Springs has multiple locations suitable for multiple fish species, according to Jerry Cordova, a stormwater specialist.
To protect these locations, CPWÂ asked KRDO13 to keep the exact location today unknown to respect the new habitat.
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