Fish Communities at Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River

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The Buffalo River is one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the United States. The park only encompasses 11% of the watershed. This leaves much of the watershed susceptible to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urbanization. Many fish are sensitive and serve as indicators of stream health. Over time, land use changes can affect fish populations. As a result of habitat changes and a decline in water quality, many Midwestern fish species are at risk of population declines. The Buffalo River is considered a “hot spot” for at-risk fish. Many species, such as darters, sculpins, and madtoms, need pristine conditions to survive.

Scientists have been tracking fish populations in the Buffalo River and its tributaries since 2006. They collect fish by using electrofishing techniques. Tracking fish allows scientists to determine which species are in the park and how well they doing in the streams. Fish data is then related back to stream habitat and water quality conditions.

Buffalo River Diversity Index by Tributary.

NPS

The Buffalo River had high diversity and good to excellent stream integrity, with low occurrences of fish with disease and deformities. This suggests the fish communities in the Buffalo River are healthy and diverse. Fish communities in the tributaries varied. Some had a high diversity where others had moderate to low diversity. Scientists will continue to monitor the Buffalo River and its tributaries to track changes in fish community health.

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Learn more about the Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network.



Data in this report were collected and analyzed using methods based on established, peer-reviewed protocols and were analyzed and interpreted within the guidelines of the protocols.