Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
endangered
SIZE
: averages 33-36 inches, up to 58 inches
POPULATION WHEN LISTED
:
696
POPULATION IN 2009
: 4,500
Chinook Salmon. (Doug Killiam)
Delta Smelt
(
Hypomesus transpacificus
) (Photo, p. 206) Once among the most
abundant fish in the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta, populations of these slender
blue-grey smelt have crashed to the point where they face imminent extinction. A
combination of factors—including altered freshwater releases through the delta,
entrainment by pumps moving water to southern California, competition with alien
fish species, and even falling plankton populations—are all suspected to have has-
tened this fish's decline. However, they can still be found in surface and shoal wa-
ters from the lower reaches of the Sacramento River below Isleton out into Suisun
Bay.
YEAR LISTED
: 1993
SIZE
: 2-3 inches
POPULATION AT LISTING
: 8.2 fish per trawl on aver-
age
POPULATION 2009
: 0.3 fish per trawl on average
Greater Sandhill Crane
(
Grus canadensis tabida
) A crimson cap, pearly grey
body plumage, and long, long legs make the elegant figure of the state's tallest
bird unmistakable during winter breeding season. They are most commonly seen
in the open fields of the San Joaquin Delta, often in large flocks. Their exuberant
courtship dance involves reciprocal leaps, wing flaps, and trilling cries. Loss of
Greater Sandhill Cranes. (Max Eissler)
