Commission elevates teardrop darter to endangered on state list
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Summary
As part of a regular two‑year review, the commission voted unanimously to elevate the teardrop darter to 'endangered' and to remove two fish taxa not recognized by the American Fisheries Society; staff cited field surveys that found few or no records at historic Tennessee sites.
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission on Tuesday approved updates to the state threatened and endangered species list, elevating the teardrop darter to endangered and removing two fish names that are no longer recognized as distinct species by the American Fisheries Society.
Chief Josh Campbell said the agency reviewed nearly 500 taxa as part of the biennial process and recommended the changes after field visits and a review of taxonomic status. He said agency biologists revisited historical sites and found only a small number of individuals in the relevant river system; for the Barens River basin in Tennessee staff encountered just four animals near a known historical location.
The commission held no public comment and adopted the revisions by unanimous roll‑call vote.
Next steps: staff will publish the updated list and any associated changes to species management guidance.