Stream Habitat Modeling for Etheostoma akatulo (Bluemask Darter) in the Calfkiller River

Abstract

The Calfkiller River in White County, TN, is part of the Caney Fork Watershed. Etheostoma akatulo (the Bluemask Darter) has been historically found in the Calfkiller River, but the last known sample was collected in 1968. Since then the Bluemask Darter has been extirpated from the Calfkiller River for unknown reasons. As a starting point for habitat assessment, we used available GIS elevation and land use data along with stream assessment data to create a model of potential habitat for the Bluemask Darter species in the Calfkiller River. Using this model, we have prioritized habitat areas and identified data gaps where future research on stream habitat is needed.