A newly constructed border wall segment in southern Arizona is raising concerns among conservationists, who say it's jeopardizing the survival of a rare desert fish. The Center for Biological Diversity warns that the wall and accompanying road are disrupting critical streamflow in California Gulch, impacting one of only two U.S. populations of the Sonora chub.
The Sonora chub, a small fish with distinctive red coloration during breeding season, relies on access to water sources on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The wall restricts this movement, hindering genetic exchange and the ability of the fish to repopulate after droughts, according to the Center.
Comparison of the border wall section in southern Arizona and its impact on the endangered Sonora chub fish. (Russ McSpadden/Center for Biological Diversity)
Close-up view of the endangered Sonora chub. (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Senior scientist Krista Kemppinen emphasized the urgency of designating California Gulch as critical habitat to protect the fish from other threats, such as cattle grazing. She also called for the implementation of carefully designed culverts in the border wall to allow for some degree of natural streamflow and fish migration.
This concern arises as President-elect Trump prepares to return to office and strengthen border security measures. He has previously criticized the Biden administration for selling border wall materials, and recently engaged in a debate about prioritizing endangered species versus wildfire prevention in California.
President Donald Trump at the U.S.-Mexico border in San Luis, Arizona, in 2020. (SAUL LOEB/AFP)
Neither the Center for Biological Diversity nor the Trump transition team offered comments on the situation.
