Undergraduate Abstract

Elizabeth D. Hamilton
December 1998

The Endangered Razorback Sucker And The Boulder City Wetlands Park; An Educator's Guide

A Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction
of the requirement for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARTS

In

Environmental Studies Program
University of Nevada Las Vegas

by

Elizabeth D. Hamilton

Fall 1998

Thesis Adviser: Darlene Cartier, Wetlands Coordinator
Environmental Studies Program
University of Nevada Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

Due to the introduction of exotic species and habitat alteration, the razorback sucker, endemic to the Colorado River, was listed as an endangered species in 1991. The Native Fish Work Group is a multi-agency team working to restore the razorback sucker population, specifically in Lake Mohave. As part of the recovery effort, razorback sucker larvae are collected from Lake Mohave, reared in ponds and repatriated at Lake Mohave as juveniles. The Boulder City Wetlands Park's four one-acre ponds have proven to be ideal rearing sites because they provide a controlled, predator free environment where the fish can be easily monitored. This thesis was designed to be used as an educator's guide; providing teachers with background information and activities that will help students gain an understanding of the complex issues that led to the endangered status of the razorback sucker, and efforts to recover the species.