Recovery of Bigeye Chub (Hybopsis amblops) Populations in Illinois

Populations of Bigeye Chub (Hybopsis amblops) in Illinois showed drastic declines during the middle of the 20th Century. Population declines were so drastic that it was thought to be extirpated from the state in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Since 2000, Bigeye Chub populations have shown a steady increase in distribution and abundance in east-central Illinois. Individuals are now commonly collected in four of the seven drainage basins where they once occurred in the state. We analyzed population dynamics and diet preferences of recovered populations in Illinois in order to fill knowledge gaps needed to successfully manage this species. These data, along with models of historical distribution within Illinois, provide the guidance needed to fully recover state Bigeye Chub populations.