Threats, conservation strategies, and prognosis for suckers (Catostomidae) in North America: insights from regional case studies of a diverse family of non-game fishes

摘要: Abstract Catostomid fishes are a diverse family of 76+ freshwater species that distributed across North America in many different habitats. This group fish is facing variety impacts and conservation issues somewhat unique relative to more economically valuable heavily managed species. Here, we present brief series case studies highlight the threats such as migration barriers, flow regulation, environmental contamination, habitat degradation, exploitation from introduced (non-native) catostomids regions. Collectively, reveal individual usually not threatened by single, isolated factor. Instead, general face numerous stressors threaten multiple stages their life history. Several factors have retarded sucker including widespread inabilities field workers distinguish some species, lack basic natural history ecological knowledge history, misconception suckers tolerant degraded conditions little social or value. Without specific constituent lobbying for non-game fishes, all members catostomid family, will continue serious risks because neglect, ignorance, misunderstanding. We suggest strategies should incorporate research education/outreach components. Other would be effective protecting include protected areas critical habitat, restoration design catostomid-friendly bypass facilities. believe plight representative other with life-history globally.