Devils Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis: status and recent research in 2014

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

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

Managing agencies in collaboration with academic institutions continue to use both basic and applied research to manage the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis. The National Park Service (NPS), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) continue to monitor ecosystem and population dynamics of Devils Hole through a Long Term Ecosystem Monitoring Plan (LTEMP) that was initiated in August 2011. Number of observable pupfish increased 65% from fall 2013 (65 observable fish) to fall 2014 (107 observable fish). Status check dives in January (79 & 61 observable fish) and June 2014 (112 & 117 observable fish) suggest that the life history of Devils Hole pupfish may be shifting. Two applied research projects were published in 2014. The University of Nevada Reno investigated the possible effects of climate change on reproductive success on the shallow shelf of Devils Hole. Authors suggest that a reduction in reproductive success may occur due to higher daily peak water temperatures on the shallow shelf during spring. A publication from the University of California Berkeley described a Risk Assessment for removal of different life stages of Devils Hole pupfish to establish a refuge population at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF). The Risk Assessment projected a high risk of extinction in the near and long term for Devils Hole pupfish. At least three distinctive types of effects interact in dynamic and complicated ways to impact growth of the wild Devils Hole pupfish population.

Resumen

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