Conservation genetic status of the critically endangered Julimes Pupfish, Cyprinodon julimes

Authors: Evan W. Carson, María de Lourdes Lozano-Vilano, Lilia Vela-Valladares, Iris Banda-Villanueva, Mauricio De la Maza Benignos, Thomas F. Turner

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

The Julimes Pupfish Cyprinodon julimes is endemic to El Pandeño spring near Julimes, Chihuahua, Mexico. This critically endangered pupfish is protected through partnership between two NGOs, the conservation organization Pronatura Noreste, A. C., and the communal landowner (ejido) organized Amigos del Pandeño. This pupfish is managed under the Vital Signs Monitoring Program for El Pandeño as a critical species and biological indicator of environmental change. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear DNA encoded microsatellites to assess genetic diversity and effective population size (microsatellites only) in the lone population of the species. Results are discussed with respect to conservation genetic status and long-term genetic monitoring of C. julimes.