Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

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COSEWIC Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name : Speckled dace

Scientific name : Rhinichthys osculus

Status : Endangered

Reason for designation : The species is restricted to the Kettle River mainstem and two main tributaries in southcentral British Columbia where it appears to be limited by the availability of suitable habitat. As this population is isolated above Cascade Falls, it cannot be rescued from downstream United States populations. The Kettle River is a flow-sensitive system that appears to be experiencing increasing frequency of drought conditions. The species is threatened by these reduced water flows and projected increasing water demands.

Occurrence : British Columbia

Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 1980. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in November 2002 and in April 2006. Last assessment based on an update status report.