Pallid Sturgeon
(Scaphirhynchus albus)
Pallid Sturgeon
Pallid sturgeons are found in the Missouri
River below Fort Benton and the
Yellowstone River below Forsyth. Pallid
sturgeons reside in large, strong-current,
turbid rivers and their impoundments with
sand and gravel bottoms. Conservation
concerns include: habitat modifi cations
preventing movement to spawning and
feeding areas, and altered natural conditions;
upstream and nearby land use practices that
degrade water quality; and heavy metals and
organic compounds affecting reproduction.
Conservation strategies include: restoring
natural river conditions and protecting minimum
instream fl ow reservations; supporting cooperative
activities that encourage sustainable land
management practices in riparian areas;
and working with cooperators and public to
identify and reduce point source pollutants.
