Collaborative research, conservation, and management strategies for the endangered Devils Hole Pupfish

Authors: Michael Schwemm, Ambre Chaudoin, Jeffrey Goldstein, Kevin Wilson, John Wullschleger, Olin Feuerbacher, Jennifer Gumm, Alex Jones, Corey Lee, Javier Linares-Casenave, Brandon Senger

Year: 2019

Abstract

The endangered Devils Hole Pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis, has persisted as a single population in Devils Hole, Nevada for an estimated ≥10,000 years. Twice on the brink of extinction during the past 15 years, adaptive conservation strategies have proven essential to its survival. The first population decline to under 40 fish in 2006 prompted the reconvening of the Devils Hole Recovery Team, a task force comprised of managers, researchers, and subject matter experts. This paved the way for the subsequent formation of the Devils Hole Incident Command and Management Oversight Teams (ICT/MOT). The ICT structure facilitates biologists and managers from the US National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Nevada Department of Wildlife who work directly with the species to formulate and execute management efforts in real time, with the MOT ultimately providing higher-level oversight. ICT members regularly communicate to guide minimal impact recovery planning for research, monitoring, and habitat restoration projects; public outreach; and partnerships with outside researchers to investigate underlying factors in past population declines and current trends. Recent successes include the largest population estimates since 2003 (187, 136, and 170 during fall 2018, spring 2019, and fall 2019, respective), record larval pupfish estimates, and new milestones in captive propagation, offering renewed hope of a positive trajectory for this unique desert fish.