Conceptual influence model guides research, monitoring, and management of the Devils Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis

Authors: Kevin P. Wilson, Michael R. Bower, Bailey Gaines

Year: 2009 (xli)

Abstract

From the 1970’s through the early 1990’s, the size of the single wild population of Devils Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis, correlated with water level at Devils Hole. More recently, a population decline starting in the mid-1990’s was not correlated with water level, requiring a whole new set of hypotheses to be developed to guide recovery efforts of this highly endangered fish. A conceptual stage-specific influence model is proposed to organize these hypotheses and document scientific progress. Results of ongoing monitoring and research are applied to this model. Additional research and monitoring efforts that are being planned to address model uncertainties will be described.