Anyhow, Glacier National Park is as much stonefly water as is the aforementioned country. But it might become less so - the rare zapada or glacier stonefly is looking doomed.
Not a zapada; rather, a skwala. |
"The western glacier stonefly (Zapada glacier) is a glacier meltwater-dependent stonefly known solely from a small area of Glacier National Park in Glacier County, Montana. Immature stoneflies, including the western glacier stonefly, have very narrow temperature requirements, making them especially vulnerable to extinction from increases in ambient water temperature. This narrowly endemic species is threatened by increases in water temperature and decreases in dissolved oxygen as a result of human-induced climate change in this region, specifically the loss of the glacial habitat on which this species depends. The glaciers within Glacier National Park are predicted to disappear by 2030. Loss of the glaciers, in combination with the species’ limited range, limited dispersal ability, and the inherent instability of small populations, collectively threaten this rare species with extinction."
Definitely adding that to my "to-fish" list so I can tell my grandchildren that I caught a "cutthroat trout" in a "zapada" hatch. I can see their blank stares already.
2 comments:
Good post Josh...
Those little creatures look up at ya like a puppy that wants a home...
Me like um to!
Thanks, Bigerr. Merry Christmas!
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