By finding out exactly what fish can be found in Cibolo Creek, which is part of the Natural Bridge Cavern's sprawling property, the owners can determine what needs to be done to keep their property healthy.
In the heat of a July afternoon, Brad and his brother Travis Wuest joined aquatic biologist Cody Craig in the shallow waters of the Cibolo Creek. The creek runs through the heart of the Natural Bridge Caverns property, owned by the Wuests. It was a busy day of wading in the water and dragging a seine, or net, to collect fish.It’s a science experiment taking place in real time. We were given the chance to join the group and help herd fish into the net.
”Not only are we interested in studying the species that call the cave system home, we also want to know all about the species that live here on the ranch, on the surface as well,” said Brad Wuest, who has long been a champion of the preservation of his family’s property. “We’ve conducted studies of the frogs and the toads here on the ranch, on smaller, lizards and reptiles; snakes. We’ve studied the bats.”“I think right now we’re up to seven species.
He told us that while having the name western mosquitofish, this species rarely eats mosquitoes. Too bad. However, the amount, type, and size of the fish are important in this census. “So, let’s say hypothetically, we find some spring-associated fishes,” said Craig. “That could change the conservation measures of Natural Bridge Caverns. What can we do to really preserve the spring flow which is important for these spring-associated fishes? So, you can take conservation measures in that way. That’s one example.”
Environment Water Conservation Fishing Natural Bridge Caverns Outdoors
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