The Status of Etheostoma osburni (candy darter) in West Virginia

D. A. Cincotta, T. Bassista, and T. E. Oldham
WV Division of Natural Resources, P.O. 67, Elkins 26241; 304/637-0245; FAX 304/637-0250; dcincotta@dnr.state.wv.us); tbassista@dnr.state.wv.us; toldham@dnr.state.wv.us

Etheostoma osburni is endemic to the upper Kanawha River system of West Virginia and Virginia. It inhabits cool to warm waters of small streams to medium sized rivers in the Ridge and Valley Province of Virginia and West Virginia, and the Appalachian Plateau of West Virginia. Due to extirpations and/or low numbers at certain sites and a lack of recent data, conservation documents have listed this fish as a species of concern in both states and consequently, at the federal level. In 1991, a survey to determine the abundance of candy darters at historic locations in the Monongahela National Forest suggested that West Virginia's population was declining. In response to this limited survey and the federal designation, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources initiated a survey in 1993 to evaluate the status of the candy darter throughout its entire range in the state. To date, approximately 40 of 50 historic candy darter sites (i.e., localities established prior to 1980) have been visited. This new information reveals that, although this species is probably declining or has been extirpated from certain waters within its West Virginia range, several excellent sites still exist. Reasons for population declines are presented, new threats are identified, and management strategies to enhance the population are discussed.