Intermittent Stream Risk Assessment: Mapping Patterns of Stream Drying and Identifying Vulnerabilities of Stream Fish and Crayfish Communities to Drying

Small creeks and streams often dry out during the summer but still support many insects, fish, crayfish, and plants. Though intermittent streams are the most common type of flowing water across the globe, not much is known about which, how, why, or when streams dry or about how patterns of drying affect species in these habitats. More information about patterns of stream drying can help inform the management of intermittent streams.



This project will use sensors to track the presence and absence of water in streams across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico. This will allow for an estimate of different drying patterns, and what (for example, stream size, land use, rainfall, or soil type) influences each pattern. Fish and crayfish will be sampled to link species to different drying patterns. Finally, tagging technology (similar to the microchips used to identify pets) will track fish and crayfish movement into and out of intermittent streams. Tracking species’ movements will provide information on when and for how long different species use intermittent stream habitats and if certain species are more vulnerable to drying.



The results from this project can be used to plan for changes in stream drying patterns that are expected with climate change and increased human demand for water from agricultural, municipal, and other uses. This project will also generate maps of stream drying that can help managers prioritize areas for conservation and identify at-risk species.