Warner Sucker – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Warner Sucker
Species Scientific Name Catostomus warnerensis
Federal Listing Status Threatened
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Northern Basin and Range

The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion covers the very large southeastern portion of the state, from Burns south to the Nevada border and from the Christmas Valley east to Idaho. It is largely a high elevation desert-like area dominated by sagebrush communities and habitats.

Special needs

Lakes and low-gradient stream reaches of Warner Valley. Prefer pool habitat in streams. Juvenile stage is vulnerable to predation.

Limiting factors

Predation by invasive species. Altered hydrology (low flows). Lack of connectivity between streams and lake.

Data gaps

Genetics. Long-term habitat needs for self-sustaining populations. Spawning habitat.

Conservation actions

Maintain or restore spring waters. Maintain or restore migration corridors among habitat areas. Increase stream flows in lower sections of tributaries. Restore wetland habitat. Evaluate likelihood of long-term persistence in the presence of non-natives.

Key reference or plan

Sheerer, P. and S. Clements. 2012. 2012 Warner Valley Fish Investigations-Warner Suckers. ODFW Progress Report. Sheerer, P., J.T. Peterson, and S. Clements. 2014. 2014 Warner Sucker Investigations (Lower Twentymile Creek). ODFW Progress Report.