Development of a conservation program for the co-endemic Carbonera Pupfish, Largemouth Shiner, and Chihuahuan Dwarf Crayfish

Authors: Carson, Evan W.*, Banda-Villanueva, Iris, Lozano-Vilano, María de Lourdes, Rodríguez-Almaráz, Gabino A., Sepúlveda-Hern&#ndez, Lissette A., Cantú-Garza, Andrea, Padraza-Lara, Carlos, De la Maza-Benignos, Mauricio

Year: 2015 (xlvii)

Abstract

Carbonera Pupfish Cyprinodon fontinalis, Largemouth Shiner Cyprinella bocagrande, and the recently rediscovered Chihuahuan Dwarf Crayfish Cambarellus chihuahuae are endemic to a group of five desert springs in Ejido Rancho Nuevo in Chihuahua, Mexico. Unsustainable development of water resources in the region resulted in drying of four of these habitats and decline of the remaining one, Ojo Solo. Through a Desert Fishes Council Conservation Award for conservation of Carbonera Pupfish, in fall 2013 we created a natural refuge at the nearby desert spring Ojo Caliente and in winter 2014 began introductions of the three species. All have become established at the refuge. Conservation of these species focuses primarily on monitoring of populations at Ojo Solo and Ojo Caliente. A captive propagation also was introduced to safeguard against extinction and to facilitate further study of these species. Our presentation considers the history and future of multi-species conservation program.