Prospective Future

The article "Conservation Success Index", (CSI), states that security levels of the Golden Trout is at a moderate threat level. This means that parts of the Golden Trout's ecosystem is changing rapidly and in a degrading manner that causes concern for the health and future of the species.

According to the Federal Registar, a 12-month long research program has called for the addition of California Golden Trout to the endangered species list. The results from this research does not warrant enough concern to list them on the endangered species list. However, in 2002, a 90-day study determined there was "substantial" evidence for the species to be listed on the endangered species list.

One of the concerns for California Golden Trout is the fact that they are vulnerable to present and future hybridization. Meaning that an introduced species, Brown Trout in this case, is starting to reproduce with the Golden Trout because both species now share the same habitat due to human translocation. This means that as these species are inhabiting the same area they are losing their genetic identity and becoming one species. As shown in the figure to the left, the size and color of each shape represents the density of each trout population and a very abstract and simplified version of hybridization. With the arrows representing the passing of generations, the Golden Trout and the Brown trout are slowly becoming extinct due to the hybridization of both species. With the continuation of hybridization, the habitat will lose two species while one mixed species remains. Decreased fitness due to increased temperatures and lose of species identity due to hybridization predicts a bleak future for Golden Trout.

Even though California Golden Trout are not listed on the endangered species list there is still cause for concern and the need for protective measures. According to a UC Davis study, "Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout in California", there is a "high likelihood of extinction in 50-100 years, or sooner (Table 1)". This study then goes on to state that California Golden Trout are "currently considered to be a Species of Special Concern by CDFG, USFWS, and USDA Forest Service".

Table1 

The figure to the right from the same UC Davis study gives some more insight into the future of The California Golden Trout. It shows that there are still risks affecting the future well-being of California Golden Trout.

Still the major concern for the future of California Golden Trout is how they will be affected by climate warming. The CSI report suggests that an increase in temperature is the greatest factor that will contribute to species extinction. It states that a "+3 degree Celsius increase in temperature will cause rain-on-snow events in the lower portions of Golden Trout Creek". This rain-on-snow event will cause hazardous flooding in the winter and extremely warm temperatures in the summer.

Much is being done to help California Golden Trout return to the success it once had. Man made dams are being rebuilt to prevent hybridization and climate change education is being implemented for local and national causes. If you want to get involved in this effort or another effort make sure you keep on reading and check out the next tab. I will direct you in the right direction.