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NM State Fish Not In Danger Of Extinction

Federal biologists say there's no danger of the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout going extinct now or in the foreseeable future.

The finding announced Tuesday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a blow to environmentalists' efforts to get the fish added to the list of endangered species.

The Center for Biological Diversity argues that the trout are gone from nearly 90 percent of their range in New Mexico and Colorado and that populations are declining.

The Fish and Wildlife Service says it reviewed the best available scientific and commercial information before deciding not to list the fish.

Known for the red slash marks below its jaw and its large irregular spots, the Rio Grande cutthroat was the first North American trout to be recorded by Spanish explorers centuries ago.

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