Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Missouri
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The Bluestripe Darter is a Missouri endemic fish species that was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The last comprehensive survey for the species was conducted over 20 years ago and no information on its population genetics exists. Using outdated distributional data and limited information about population genetics may result in uniformed decisions about how best to protect the species or lead to unnecessary protections. The updated distributional and genetic data collected by this project will assist decision makers in determining if the species warrants protection and will inform the state agency of current status. This is a cooperative project between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit.