Knowledge of population dynamics and habitat requirements of the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), a Federally listed endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, is limited yet vital to the recovery of the species. National Park Service lands may provide some of the least degraded low order stream habitat remaining in the historic range of the Topeka shiner, and may be critical to recovering the species. Identification and monitoring of National Park Service lands within the historic range of the Topeka shiner where populations exists or habitats are such that re-introduction of the species is viable in accordance with the Topeka Shiner Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000) is warranted.

Monitoring questions and approach

1. What is the current status of Topeka shiner populations? What are the long-term trends?

   • Annual censuses to track the location, abundance, and trends of the species through time. Extensive and intensive seining of waterways within park boundaries.

2. Are Topeka shiners reproducing successfully?

   • Annual fall censuses to track the reproductive success of the species.

3. What is the condition of Topeka shiner habitat? How is habitat changing through time?

   • Habitat data is collected during annual abundance censuses so that species abundance and locations can be tracked over time and correlated with habitat characteristics.

   • Identify unoccupied habitat where reintroduction of the species would be viable.

4. Can changes in population status or habitat quality be correlated with management regimes?

   • Record management actions for correlation with population abundance and habitat data.

Protocol

• Peitz, D.G. In preparation. Long-term monitoring protocol for Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) in National Park Service Units within the Midwest Region, with emphasis on Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas and Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota. Prairie Cluster Prototype LTEM Program, National Park Service, Republic, MO.

References

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Topeka shiner recovery plan. Technical/agency draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Manhattan, KS.