Conservation Status and What It Means for Landowners
State Status: Threatened
Rio Grande shiner is No federal listing and state threatened in Texas. Landowners managing for this species should be aware of applicable legal protections and consult with TPWD regarding management activities that may affect the species or its habitat.
Habitat Requirements
Rio Grande shiner (Notropis jemezanus) inhabits aquatic systems in 11 Texas counties. This fish species requires specific water quality conditions, appropriate substrate, and functioning stream or river habitat. Sedimentation, water diversion, and water quality degradation are primary threats. Maintaining riparian buffers, minimizing erosion, and protecting natural stream flow support this species.
Wildlife Management Plan Implications
Including Rio Grande shiner as a target species in your wildlife management plan demonstrates active management for a species of conservation concern in Texas. Your plan should document habitat conditions on your property, identify management practices that benefit this species, and establish monitoring protocols to track population trends over the 5-year plan period. Because this species carries conservation status, managing for it strengthens your plan and demonstrates the highest standard of land stewardship.
Texas Ecoregions
- Multiple Texas ecoregions
Texas County Distribution
11
of 254 Texas counties with documented occurrences
4% of Texas counties
Recommended Management Practices
These practices from the 7 pillars of wildlife management are most relevant to Rio Grande shiner conservation.
Habitat Control
Maintain riparian buffers of at least 50 feet along streams and waterways
Erosion Control
Prevent sedimentation through vegetative cover and proper road drainage
Supplemental Water
Protect natural spring flows and minimize water diversion
Census
Aquatic surveys using seine or electrofishing methods during appropriate seasons
Include Rio Grande shiner in Your Wildlife Management Plan
Our interactive plan builder walks you through selecting target species, mapping your property, and meeting TPWD intensity standards for your ecoregion. Flat rate pricing, any Texas county.
Start Your Wildlife Management PlanFrequently Asked Questions
What does the conservation status of Rio Grande shiner mean for my property?
Rio Grande shiner is currently No federal listing and state threatened. This means the species receives legal protection and managing for it in your wildlife plan demonstrates compliance with conservation priorities. Active management for listed species can also open the door to conservation incentive programs.
How do I survey for Rio Grande shiner on my property?
Survey methods depend on the species and habitat type. For Rio Grande shiner, consult your ecoregion's TPWD wildlife biologist for recommended survey protocols. Document all observations with date, location, habitat description, and photographs when possible. Include survey results in your annual wildlife management plan activities log.