Restoring the Terrestrial Connections of Devils Hole

Authors: Kerry A Gold, Ambre L Chaudoin, Jeffrey A Goldstein, Kevin P Wilson, Josh Hoines

Year: 2018

Abstract

Devils Hole and its unique pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis, have been historically managed in a species specific approach. Recently, more holistic, ecosystem based approaches have been used for conservation and recovery efforts for this critically endangered species. Investigations into energy flow and food web structure in Devils Hole found that carbon was limiting in winter. Stable isotope analyses indicated a year-round, fundamental source of carbon for the pupfish diet comes from allochthonous (outside sourced) plant and animal material (Wilson & Blinn, 2007, Western North American Naturalist 67(2):185-198). As late as 1950, the surrounding landscape of Devils Hole was bladed, removing the above ground and subterranean biomass encircling Devils Hole (USDOI General Land Office Report, Bureau of Land Management, 1950). Terrestrial restoration/revegetation of Devils Hole began May 2017 to increase the potential allochthonous carbon input into Devils Hole and reverse desertification. To assess the new vegetation’s effectiveness in delivering organic matter to the system, a perennial shrub abscission (litter) study was devised. Monthly collections of the highest occurring shrubs have shown an average output of.03568 g/m²/day of organic matter. Atriplex confertifolia (Shadscale) has shown the highest average output with.00991 g/m²/day and Larrea tridentata (Creosote) has shown the lowest average output with.00047 g/m²/day. Data will be compared to allochthonous funnel traps that are deployed biannually over the water surface of Devils Hole.