Archaeological data suggest broader early historic distribution for blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus, Actinopterygii, Catostomidae) in New Mexico

Abstract

Zooarchaeological data are increasingly important for establishing late Holocene conservation baselines for species of concern. The blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) is experiencing range reduction and is endangered in the State of New Mexico. The early historic (ca. AD 1540) distribution of blue sucker is poorly understood, and the extent of habitat loss is unclear. In 1961, two blue sucker skeletal elements were recovered from a late prehistoric/early historic archaeological site in northern New Mexico called Rainbow House (LA 217). Those remains suggest that the past range of blue sucker was larger; however, since that publication, little consideration has been given to the past presence of this species in the Upper Rio Grande. New zooarchaeological data from a site in northern New Mexico called Ponsipa (LA 297) have revealed the presence of multiple blue sucker skeletal elements. Additionally, a review of site reports and regional archaeological journal publications increased the abundance of blue sucker elements found at Rainbow House and added three archaeological sites where blue sucker has been reported in the region. Collectively, this information suggests a broader preimpoundment distribution for blue sucker than previously recognized and can help establish a new baseline for their conservation or restoration in New Mexico.

Shell morphology, growth and longevity of Unio tumidus (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from an archaeological site and contemporary population inhabiting the Oder estuary

“…The most common factors considered in the assessment of the mussel resources and planning of conservation works include the present state of the population or variability over short periods of time. This may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the changes in the species abundance, distribution and composition of groupings, and may result in non-effective conservation works (Wolverton & Lyman, 2012;Dombrosky et al, 2016;Wolverton & Randklev, 2016). Therefore, zooarchaeological studies should be considered in ecological and conservation science, since understanding the causes of current state of resources requires long-term historical perspective.…”

Archaeology and Biogeography of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in the Puget Sound Region

“…The possibility that western pond turtle populations were always low may be investigated using the archaeological record. There has been great success in the use of archaeofaunal data to establish the prehistoric biogeography of a variety of species (e.g., Dombrosky et al 2016;Fisher 2012). Turtles are commonly exploited as a subsistence resource by small-scale foragers, and their abundance and distribution in the archaeological record should be a reflection of the prehistoric population dynamics in response to environmental change at northern latitudes.…”

Dietary change of North Patagonian guanacos: A historical ecology perspective through the study of stable isotopes

“…While the current state of animal populations resulted from historical dynamics, few studies include deep temporal perspectives for management, conservation, and ecological studies on this and other species (Dombrosky et al, 2016; Randklev et al, 2020; Szpak et al, 2012; Wolverton et al, 2007). The archaeological assemblages in this study span hundreds or thousands of years, forming a sample that captures variability in guanaco ecology over a long period of time.…”