Fishes of the Wakarusa River in Kansas

** "Fishes of the Wakarusa River in Kansas" by James E. Deacon is a scientific snapshot of aquatic life, capturing the state of fish species in the Wakarusa River and its connected streams around 1960 while reaching back six decades to chart critical changes in biodiversity. This record catalogs the fish populations, dividing them by habitat, to reveal the environmental stresses endangering freshwater ecosystems in Kansas, particularly the impact of drought, which made certain fish scarce or wipe them out completely. Through the examination of fish collections made in 1959 and cross-referencing with earlier data, the study acts as an early warning system for biologists and nature enthusiasts, showcasing the need to preserve aquatic life as the environment shifts. **