Race against time: establishing a refuge population for the Carbonera pupfish, Cyprinodon fontinalis

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

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

Cyprinodon fontinalis has been extirpated from eight of nine desert springs in which it occurred historically, with the remaining population restricted to the failing, and aptly named, Ojo Solo. With the aid of a conservation grant from the Desert Fishes Council, additional resources from Pronatura Noreste, A.C., and partnership with Ejido Rancho Nuevo, we have embarked on establishment refuge population for C. fontinalis. The refuge site adapts a natural habitat that approximates Ojo Solo in environmental characteristics and also is located in the basin where the species is endemic (Desierto de Samalayuca). We report on the progress of this project, including results from the feasibility study, efforts to secure legally binding conservation agreements, the status of refuge construction, and the development of a conservation management plan for this critically imperiled pupfish.