Biologists are working hard to save the humpback chub, a primitive fish species native to the Colorado River in the United States, which is facing the threat of extinction due to predators from other areas.
Barrett Friesen, a biology graduate from the University of Utah, along with colleagues, is making efforts to rescue the humpback chub, a species that has seen a significant decline in population recently.
Humpback Chub – (Photo: UNCOVER COLORADO)
According to AP News, the biggest threat to this species is the smallmouth bass, which are predatory fish that have migrated to the Colorado River: after the Glen Canyon Dam was built, the habitat of the smallmouth bass was significantly reduced, forcing them to seek new living areas.
This migration has pushed the humpback chub, a native species of the Colorado River, to the brink of extinction.
In response to this situation, local authorities have spent millions of dollars to create a safe habitat for the humpback chub below the waters of the Glen Canyon Dam, where they can partially control the movement of the smallmouth bass.
However, there remains a possibility that smallmouth bass could successfully infiltrate the area created by authorities, and discussions have been made about releasing water from the dam.
Nevertheless, this would mean they would have to “sacrifice” electricity production, and there would certainly be many who oppose this decision.
