The peppered shiner (notropis perpallidus) was petitioned for listing in 2010 and a species status assessment (SSA) is currently underway

This U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Formula Grant award under the State Wildlife Grants (CFDA 15.634) program provides $234,465 to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (Agfc) from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026. The grant will fund a project led by the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) to identify suitable, critical habitat and assess the reproductive ecology of the imperiled peppered shiner (Notropis perpallidus) fish species in the Saline River of Arkansas. Recent surveys by UCA and the University of Oklahoma have detected a significant decline in the range and abundance of the peppered shiner, with only 421 individuals found at 13 sites out of the historic 15 sites in the Saline River. This study aims to address key data gaps on the life history, seasonal habitat use, and reproduction timing of the peppered shiner to guide its protection and conservation.

Recent research funded through section 6 for both arkansas (university of central arkansas, UCA) and oklahoma (university of oklahoma) resulted in detection of individuals at only four sites in the saline river of arkansas however, these studies were limited in gear type and season. Additional surveys (2016-2017 and 2019-2022) were completed at 75 unique sites by UCA and also support a significant decline in range and abundance, with 421 individuals detected at thirteen sites throughout the arkansas range, representing only 15 of the historic sites (burgad 2019, miller 2020, ongoing research, SWG funding). All detections were limited to the saline river with the highest abundances within the upper saline river conservation opportunity area. Data gaps including life history, seasonal habitat use, and timing of reproduction are paramount for protection of the species. The proposed study will focus on identifying suitable, critical habitat and aspects of the reproductive ecology of peppered shiner in the saline river. Funds obligated to this project will be sub-awarded to the university of central arkansas.