Leopard dace (Rhinichthys falcatus)

Photo not available for this species
Category: Fish
State status: Candidate
Vulnerability to climate change (More details)

Moderate-
High

Climate vulnerability

Sensitivity to climate change

Moderate

Although little information is available regarding the sensitivity of leopard dace to climate change (particularly in Washington), as a cool-water associate, leopard dace is likely sensitive to increasing water temperatures (upper lethal limit is 23°C). As a summer spawning species that occupies creeks, shallow lacustrine habitats, and low- to medium-sized rivers, leopard dace may also be vulnerable to decreasing summer streamflows, particularly if they exacerbate temperature increases. Increasing temperatures and shifting flow and flood regimes may also affect prey availability (e.g., aquatic insect larvae, earthworms). For example, spring floods were found to be a key delivery mechanism of earthworms, which constitute a large portion of leopard dace spring diet.

Confidence: Low

Exposure to climate change

Moderate-
High

  • Increased water temperatures
  • Lower summer flows
  • Altered timing/magnitude of spring floods
Confidence: Moderate

Conservation
This species is identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). SGCN-classified species include both those with and without legal protection status under the Federal or State Endangered Species programs, as well as game species with low populations. The WDFW SWAP is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans for fish, wildlife and their natural habitats—identifying opportunities for species' recovery before they are imperiled and more limited.
This species is identified as a Priority Species under WDFW's Priority Habitat and Species Program. Priority species require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance. The PHS program is the agency's main means of sharing fish and wildlife information with local governments, landowners, and others who use it to protect priority habitats for land use planning.