Conservation at the BioPark

Aquatic Research and Conservation

Endangered Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates of the Rio Grande Basin

In cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the University of New Mexico’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the ABQ BioPark has established an Aquatic Research Facility at the BioPark Zoo.

This facility provides the opportunity to:

• Establish refuge populations of native fishes and invertebrates
• Conduct ecological and conservation related research on native fishes and invertebrates.

Socorro Isopod

In 1998, a captive population of this federally endangered species was established at the aquatic research facility for the purpose of conducting recovery-related life history research and establishing refugium populations to conserve genetic diversity and vigor in the event repatriation of native populations is required.

Texas Hornshell Mussel

In 1999, this project was conducted as part of an ongoing federal grant with Texas Parks and Wildlife and New Mexico Game and Fish to determine host fish for the parasitic larvae of a state endangered mussel, the Texas hornshell. A multi-tank system of aquaria was set up to hold potential host fish from the lower Pecos River. Once female mussels were gravid, potential hosts were innoculated with larvae to determine if they attach to the fish. If they attach then the fish is a host. If they do not attach, the fish is not a host. We successfully completed two trials of host infestations and in the end have identified 23 species of native and non-native host fish for this mussel.

Spring Snails

We have constructed a 16-foot long artificial stream to house a captive population of federally endangered New Mexico spring snails. New Mexico Game and Fish is currently negotiating private land access and cannot introduce live snails into the stream until they have permission from the landowner to collect the snail from his ranch property.

Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

Research is being conducted on Rio Grande silvery minnows, which have been held and propagated at ABQ BioPark since 1999. Investigations include egg and larval fish developmental rates, influence of water temperature on sex ratios, and batch and egg production of these minnows. Swimming speed studies have been conducted to provide data for the design and construction of fish passages in the river. Flow and turbidity rates are monitored to determine what triggers spawning events in the wild.

Please contact the office of the BioPark director at (505) 764-6211 for additional information.