The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently added the peppered chub fish to the endangered species list. The agency also designated 872 river miles of critical habitat in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma for the species.
“Peppered chubs are barely getting this lifesaving protection in time,” said Michael Robinson at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroduction can keep these exquisite fish from going extinct.”
The critical habitat consists of 197 miles of the upper South Canadian River and Revuelto Creek in New Mexico and Texas, which support the sole remaining population; 400 miles of the lower South Canadian River in Texas and Oklahoma; and 275 miles of the Cimarron River in Oklahoma.
The actions follow a 2020 lawsuit filed by the Center.
