Unique Presentation Identifier:
65
Program Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kyler Hecke
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
9-4-2026 11:40 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 12:10 PM
Abstract
Natural areas play an integral role in the preservation and conservation of unique ecosystems (i.e., natural wetlands). However, many natural areas have never had a biological inventory of species utilizing these areas. Goose Pond Natural Area (Conway County and Pope County, Arkansas) is one of those natural areas lacking species occurrence data. We addressed this data gap by sampling fish species across multiple habitat types (shallow woody wetland, open grassy wetland, and stream). We employed multiple gear types (mesh umbrella minnow traps, seines, gill nets, mini-fyke nets, and backpack electrofishing) in hopes of increasing species detection. Sites within the natural area were randomly sampled to reduce bias in our species observations. A total of 260 individuals across 17 species were observed. The three most abundant species observed were Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis (n=128), Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (n=31), and Golden Topminnow Fundulus chrysotus (n=14). We observed the most species in the stream habitat (Point Remove Creek; n=8) and the grassy wetland habitat (n=8). However, we observed more individuals (n=126) in the stream habitat. All three habitats were variable across the recorded environmental and habitat variables (i.e., canopy cover and depth). Future sampling will aim to understand seasonal changes of these fish communities. This data furthers our knowledge of fish communities within the Goose Pond Natural Area and establishes a baseline for managing these fish communities.
Recommended Citation
Sparks, Macy, "Fish Community Assessment of Goose Pond Natural Area" (2026). ATU Scholars Symposium. 32.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2026/2026/32
Fish Community Assessment of Goose Pond Natural Area
Face-to-face
Natural areas play an integral role in the preservation and conservation of unique ecosystems (i.e., natural wetlands). However, many natural areas have never had a biological inventory of species utilizing these areas. Goose Pond Natural Area (Conway County and Pope County, Arkansas) is one of those natural areas lacking species occurrence data. We addressed this data gap by sampling fish species across multiple habitat types (shallow woody wetland, open grassy wetland, and stream). We employed multiple gear types (mesh umbrella minnow traps, seines, gill nets, mini-fyke nets, and backpack electrofishing) in hopes of increasing species detection. Sites within the natural area were randomly sampled to reduce bias in our species observations. A total of 260 individuals across 17 species were observed. The three most abundant species observed were Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis (n=128), Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (n=31), and Golden Topminnow Fundulus chrysotus (n=14). We observed the most species in the stream habitat (Point Remove Creek; n=8) and the grassy wetland habitat (n=8). However, we observed more individuals (n=126) in the stream habitat. All three habitats were variable across the recorded environmental and habitat variables (i.e., canopy cover and depth). Future sampling will aim to understand seasonal changes of these fish communities. This data furthers our knowledge of fish communities within the Goose Pond Natural Area and establishes a baseline for managing these fish communities.