This delicate river ecosystem provides quality habitats for several aquatic and terrestrial SGCN. The Virgin River springsnail is an endemic freshwater mollusk that is found at several unnamed springs along the Virgin River near Littlefield in northeastern Arizona. Some of these springsnail populations are on BLM land and others on private and ADOT right-of-way to Interstate 15 (the "Little Jamaica Spring"). Several other SGCN also occur within the riparian corridor of this sensitive desert river, including southwestern willow flycatcher, Mohave desert tortoise, woundfin, and Virgin River chub.
Conservation Goals
- Implement conservation actions for the springsnail to maintain and improve its status and distribution, and reduce threats to their populations and habitat.
- Improve and protect quality riparian area habitat for SGCN.
Map
Primary Threats
1. Agriculture
3. Climate Change and Severe Weather
8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species
9. Natural System Modifications
11. Transportation and Service Corridors
Potential Conservation Actions
2. Land and Water Management
- Improve livestock management especially in areas that may adversely affect springs.
- Work with partners, such as ADOT, to improve management that reduces runoff and other adverse effects from I-15 that runs along the Virgin River.
- Improve management to maintain water quality and quantity in this desert river that is under increasing pressure.
- Monitor and control for invasive plant species along the river, including Russian olive and salt cedar that may reduce the quality of habitats for avian species.
3. Species Management
- Implement long-term monitoring protocols for vulnerable species and habitats to inform adaptive management.
Habitats Present
Strategy Species
Amphibians
Birds
Bullock's Oriole, Common Black Hawk, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, White-throated Swift, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Arizona Bell's Vireo
Invertebrates
Mammals
Allen's Lappet-browed Bat, Desert Woodrat, Hoary Bat
Reptiles
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- Virgin River Gorge
Potential Partners
- Bureau of Land Management
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- Private Landowners
Relevant Conservation Plans
- Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan
- Mohave Desert Tortoise Revised Recovery Plan
- Virgin Spinedace Conservation Strategy