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C. R. Berry

Publications and source records attributed to C. R. Berry.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2006

River size and fish assemblages in southwestern South Dakota

We studied relations between river size, fish species diversity, and fish species composition along four major rivers in the Great Plains of southwestern South Dakota to assess patterns of species diversity and composition. We expected diversity to increase with river size and fish composition to change via species addition downstream. Previous surveys of 52 sampling stations provided fish assemblage data, and we used the Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine watershed area by station. Watershed area did not predict species richness or species diversity (Fisher's ??), so species richness of 12 ?? 3.5 SD species and Fisher's ?? of 2.3 ?? 0.87 SD characterized species diversity in the study area. Cluster analysis of faunal similarity (S??rensen's Index) among the 52 sampling stations identified two geographically distinct faunal divisions, so species composition was variable within the study area, but changed via species replacements among faunas rather than species additions downstream. Nonnative species were a minor component of all faunas. Uniform species diversity may be a recent phenomenon caused by impacts of Missouri River dams on native large-river fishes and the unsuitability of rivers in the Great Plains for nonnative species. Variation in faunal composition may also be recent because it was affected by dams. ?? Copyright by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Great Plains Research↗
USGS2005

First record of the plains minnow, Hybognathus placitus, in Canada

Seven Plains Minnows, Hybognathus placitus , Family Cyprinidae, were collected on 11 June 2003 from Morgan Creek, in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. This collection is the first record of the species in Canada and extends the northern distribution limit of the species. Of 95 Hybognathus spp. collected at the site, only eight specimens were retained for positive identification because of the uncertain status of two conspecifics, the Western Silvery Minnow, H. argyritis , and the Brassy Minnow, H. hankinsoni , in Saskatchewan. Our findings should stimulate additional sampling to assess the identification and status of Hybognathus spp. in southwestern Saskatchewan. Accurate field identification of Hybognathus spp. remains an issue and collection of all specimens is recommended to accurately identify members within the genus.

Saskatchewan↗
USGS2005

Constructed impoundments in the floodplain: A source or sink for native prairie fishes, in particular the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka)?

Livestock watering holes (i.e., dugouts) are typically constructed in floodplains, yet the influence of dugouts on native prairie fishes is unknown. Such information is necessary for the effective management of native fishes, especially species of concern such as the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka). The goal of our study was to suggest technical guidelines for constructing floodplain wetlands that are compatible with stream fish resources. Specific objectives were to: determine the flood frequencies of the connection between streams and dugouts; determine fish community characteristics in floodplain dugouts; and, associate dugout characteristics with fish assemblages. A total of 20 dugouts within Six Mile Creek watershed, South Dakota, were surveyed seasonally (excluding winter) from fall of 2003 to fall of 2004. Dugouts were categorized according to their lateral floodplain placement (connectivity with the stream and flood frequency of the stream-dugout connection) and longitudinal placement across the watershed. Fishes were sampled in dugouts and adjacent stream reaches with seines and traps. The 21 species making up the stream and dugout fish assemblages were similar. Fish inhabited 65% of the dugouts; 30% contained Topeka shiners. Most fish inhabitance, and all Topeka shiner occurrences, were in dugouts that were headwater sites and were either directly connected to the stream or disconnected and frequently flooded (average 1 in 2 year event). Two dugouts in this latter category contained the most abundant, self-sustaining Topeka shiner populations. Constructing dugouts separate from the stream within frequently inundated zones can provide off-channel habitat for fishes.

Conference Paper↗
USGS2004

Fishes and habitat characteristics of the Keya Paha River, South Dakota-Nebraska

Fishes were collected in four mainstem reaches and eight tributary reaches in the Keya Paha River basin during May and June 2002. Most reaches were characteristically run habitats with sand substrates and riparian pastures. Data were combined with historical records to construct a basin-wide ichthyofaunal list which comprised 38 species from seven families. Dominant species were sand shiners ( Notropis ludibundus ; 47%), red shiners ( Cyprinella lutrensis ; 37%), and brassy minnows ( Hybognathus hankinsoni ; 8%). Dominant game species were bluegill ( Lepomis machrochirus ) and channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). We found one species previously listed as rare in South Dakota - plains topminnow ( Fundulus sciadicus ), and four species not previously found in the Keya Paha River - silver chub ( Macrhybopsis storeriana ), river carpsucker ( Carpiodes carpio ), northern pike ( Esox Indus ), yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ).

Nebraska, South Dakota↗
USGS2004

Fish-habitat modeling for gap analysis to conserve the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka)

Decision support tools that predict fish distribution over broad spatial scales are needed to assist in planning watershed management and endangered species recovery. We developed a geographical information system model with multivariate logistic regression to rank valley segments for probable occurrence of the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) using stream condition variables (stream size, groundwater potential, channel slope, streamflow, network position) and land-cover variables (percent pasture, percent trees) in streams characteristic of the North American Great Plains. The stream condition and land-cover models correctly classified 89% and 68% of outcomes (i.e., presence or absence), respectively. Field tests of maps of predicted species distribution resulted in more species occurrences than expected in valley segments classified as high potential for presence and less than expected in low-potential valley segments. Gaps between high-priority segments and protected land parcels were found in all basins. In 37 basins with Topeka shiners, protected land coverage was <1% in 17 basins, 1-5% in 10 basins, and 5-21.8% in 10 basins. Conservation activities in gaps are long-term conservation measures, but maps of predicted species distribution have many immediate applications.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗
USGS2004

Fishes of the Missouri national recreational river, South Dakota and Nebraska

Two sections of the Missouri River, one extending 94 km downstream from Gavins Point Dam, and the other extending 62 km downstream from Fort Randall Dam, are legally designated as National Recreational Rivers. An ichthyofaunal list and fish habitat data were needed for conservation planning by states and federal agencies (e.g., National Park Service). We collected fish during three summers from four macrohabitats, using five fish collection techniques, and measured fish habitat characteristics. Temperature, conductivity, and turbidity varied little, but substrate, depth, and velocity differed among macrohabitats (e.g., depth and velocity in the channel exceeded those elsewhere; sand dominated the substrate except in silt-laden tributary mouths and backwaters). We collected 21,699 fish of 53 species and combined our survey with others to compile a list of 92 species. Common recreational species included walleye (Sander vitreum) and catfishes (Ictaluridae). Twenty nonnative species were present. Seventy-two native species have persisted, but the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) is endangered and a few other species (e.g., native minnows) may be in decline.

Great Plains Research↗
USGS2003

Biological characteristics of the blue sucker in the James River and the Big Sioux River, South Dakota

Little is known about the relative abundance and biology of the blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus ), a species that may be declining in some parts of its range. We described the age, growth, condition, length distribution, and habitat preference of the blue sucker in two South Dakota rivers. Specimens were collected from the James River (n=74) and Big Sioux River (n=28) during the summer of 2000. Although five macrohabitats were sampled with electrofishing and hoopnets, most individuals were collected from riffle habitats and downstream of rock dams. Total length-weight relationships were log 10 W= −6.14+3.37 (log 10 L) (r 2 = 0.92) for blue suckers from the James River and log 10 W= −6.52+3.50(log 10 L) (r 2 = 0.97) for fish from the Big Sioux River. Mean condition factors (K = W(10 5 )/L 3 ) of blue suckers were 0.79 (SE = 0.07) for the James River and 0.73 (SE = 0.07) for the Big Sioux River. Blue suckers between 500 and 700 mm dominated length distributions (range = 374–717 mm) of both samples. Ages ranged from two to nine years, but six-year-old fish were captured most frequently. Blue suckers grew rapidly during juvenile stages (< age 5); however, growth slowed afterward.

South Dakota↗
USGS2003

Fish community persistence in Eastern North and South Dakota Rivers

Over the past 25 years, the James River in North and South Dakota has experienced records in minimum and maximum discharge. Our objectives were to compare: (1) the fish community in the main river after dry (1988-90) and wet (1993-2000) years, and (2) the fish community of both the main river and tributaries between dry (1975) and wet (1998-2000) years. In South Dakota in the main river, there were 10 families and 29 species after several dry years and 11 families and 35 species after several wet years. Percichthyidae was the additional family after the wet years. Basinwide, there were 41 species present after the dry 1970s and 50 species after the wet 1990s. Overall, 93% of the species collected in 1975 have persisted. Our results provide some support for the flood pulse concept, and the findings suggest that the fish community can be useful for biomonitoring of prairie streams.

Great Plains Research↗