Final recovery plan for the grotto sculpin

We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announce the release of the final recovery plan for the grotto sculpin, now available for partners and others to guide efforts to save the species from extinction. The grotto sculpin is a rare, endangered cave-dwelling fish unique to five cave systems in Perry County in southeastern Missouri. The fish is small, measuring on average 2.5 inches in length, and like many cave-dwelling organisms it is pale in color and nearly blind.

This species was federally listed as endangered in 2013 under the Endangered Species Act due to its limited range, isolated populations, and pollution-related mortality in its underground habitats. Population-scale fish kills are a significant concern, as surface contaminants can wash into the cave streams where the grotto sculpin live.

The recovery plan focuses on addressing threats to the species and preventing fish kills through improvements to groundwater quality. The plan also focuses on improving the species’ overall chances of survival by improving their habitat.

Saving the species from extinction is contingent on cooperation among many private, local, state and federal partners, including support from Perry County’s citizens, such as local farmers, industry leaders, real estate managers, business owners, elected government officials and many other individuals and groups.

We are proud to work with Perry County to protect this ecosystem that is home to remarkable cave species like the grotto sculpin. Partnerships have been critical in preventing the further decline of this species and provide a solid foundation for recovery actions. The community has already enacted multiple conservation actions, such as acquiring and safeguarding cave entrances, cleaning out contaminants, preventing erosion and conducting workshops on water quality and soil erosion. These environmental benefits also extend to other fish and wildlife and Perry County residents who rely on streams in the area for recreation, tourism and drinking water supply. Recovery planning is one step in a process to address threats to endangered and threatened species. Plans provide a road map for private, Tribal, federal and state cooperation in conserving listed species and their ecosystems. While a recovery plan provides guidance on how best to help listed species achieve recovery, it is not a regulatory document. Learn more about the Recovery Plan for the Grotto Sculpin (PDF).