Devils Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis: status, updates, and recovery actions for 2013.

Authors: Kevin P. Wilson, Bailey Gaines, Jeffrey Goldstein, John Wullschleger, Lee H. Simons, Jon C. Sjoberg, Brandon L. Senger, Darrick S. Weissenfluh

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

The National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) continue to monitor and implement recovery efforts for the Devils Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis. Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 counts of observable fish were 75 and 35, respectively. Two dive counts conducted in June 2013 as a status check were 32 and 38. Early Life Stage (ELS) surveys conducted biweekly since May 2013 show reproduction and recruitment is occuring. ELS fish have ranged in size between 4 and 11 mm. Pupfish > 11 mm and < 35 mm have been observed on the shallow shelf over the summer. Managing agencies have implemented two recovery actions since the low spring count. Cover packets (n = 6) in the form of terrestrial organic matter and artificial aquarium plants were deployed on the shallow shelf in June 2013. Cover packets were added to provide vertical structure for smaller sized fish (< 15 mm). Fish of all sizes were observed using both organic and artificial cover. Managing agencies also conducted an egg removal study in August 2013. Several types of egg recovery mats (tile, tile with yarn, carpet) were deployed on the shallow shelf to collect pupfish eggs for captive propagation efforts at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF). Only one infertile egg was collected. Egg removal trials will resume again between November 2013 and January 2014. An independent Risk Assessment is underway to model risks of translocating different life stages of Devils Hole pupfish into captivity (e.g. egg, juvenile, adults). In addition, a Genetics and Development Panel has been formed to address issues related to the small population size of Devils Hole pupfish and its extreme environment. We will also present results from the Long Term Ecosystem Monitoring Plan for Devils Hole.