HOWARD COUNTY, Ark. — A fish listed as endangered in Arkansas for 46 years is returning with a splash.
On Tuesday, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) joined Oklahoma and federal agencies in bringing back the leopard darter fish.
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It was first introduced as an endangered species in Arkansas in 1978. There are 37 species currently listed as being endangered throughout the state.
The leopard darter used to be found in Cossatot, Rolling Fork, and Little Rivers in Arkansas, but now they’re only being spotted in one. U.S. Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist Daniel Fenner stated the “curious” fish has a very finite habitat.
“Southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. It is the only place you’ll find it,” Fenner explained.
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The Cossatot River was hit hardest where Fenner and Chance Garrett, AGFC Fish Conservation Ecologist say 125,000 fish dwindled to just six and then none over 200 years.