New Mexico has been riddled with drought for the past seven years which is taking its toll on the already endangered Rio Grande Cutthroat trout. The lack of any snow pack in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountain coupled with unusually high temperatues has driven water from many of the remaining habitats for this delicate species of trout. I am particularly biased in saying I think this is one of the most beautiful salmonids in the entire trout family. It has been pressured out of habitat by increased warming of water temperature,Whirling Disease as well as the general introduction and invasion of non native species like Rainbows and Brown's. Rainbows will reproduce with the Cutthroat degrading the gentic purity of the species. Browns on the other hand make hearty forage out of the eggs and fingerlings of the cutthroat species. Regardless, we are close to losing a unique part of our states bio-diversity and action is required.
The State of New Mexico is under great pressure financially in it's efforts to revive the populations of endangered Gila and Apache trout in our southern waters. You can help by contacting and joining your local chapter of Trout Unlimited. We are in danger of losing a very important fish species, a loss which could forshadow the future of all New Mexico's fisheries.