Las Vegas sits in the Mojave Desert but includes springs, streams and riparian pockets that support a surprising variety of native wildlife. Those tiny ecosystems are often isolated and vulnerable to changes in water use, development and invasive species.
There are 3 Endangered Species in Las Vegas, ranging from Moapa dace to Woundfin. For each species the list includes Scientific name,Legal status,Where in Las Vegas — you’ll find those details below.
Why are these species endangered around Las Vegas?
Most are limited to a few springs or short stream reaches, so groundwater pumping, diversion, habitat alteration and nonnative competitors or predators have outsized effects; small population sizes also mean disease or single events can push them toward extinction. Conservation focuses on protecting spring flows, removing invasive species and restoring stream habitat.
How can local residents help protect them?
You can reduce outdoor water use, support local conservation organizations and native habitat projects, avoid releasing aquarium or bait species, and report habitat damage or illegal water diversions to authorities; community awareness and responsible recreation make a measurable difference.
Endangered Species in Las Vegas
| Name | Scientific name | Legal status | Where in Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moapa dace | Moapa coriacea | Endangered – USFWS | Warm springs and upper Muddy River, Moapa Valley (NE Clark County) |
| Woundfin | Plagopterus argentissimus | Endangered – USFWS | Virgin River reaches near Mesquite and northeastern Clark County riparian habitats |
| Virgin River chub | Gila seminuda | Endangered – USFWS | Virgin River around Mesquite and adjacent northeastern Clark County reaches |
Images and Descriptions
Moapa dace
Moapa dace is a tiny fish found only in warm springs and the upper Muddy River in Moapa Valley (Clark County). Populations collapsed from groundwater pumping, habitat alteration, and nonnative fish. It’s a signature local endemic; protect springs, conserve water, support refuge.
Woundfin
Woundfin is a silvery minnow native to the Virgin River near Mesquite and other NE Clark County reaches. Dams, water diversion, sediment changes, and nonnative fish have driven declines. Support river flow protections, riparian restoration, and invasive species control to help recovery.
Virgin River chub
Virgin River chub is a larger minnow in the Virgin River around Mesquite (NE Clark County). It faces habitat loss from altered flows, fragmentation, and nonnative species. Local river protection, habitat reconnection, and invasive fish removal are key to conserving this endangered fish.
