Devils Hole pupfish at Death Valley National Park/NPS
Wildlife biologists have good news to report about one of the world’s rarest fishes. Scientists recently counted 187 Devils Hole pupfish, which is the most they’ve observed in 15 years.
“We are not out of the woods, but this is a good step in the continued recovery efforts for this fish,” said Kevin Wilson, aquatic ecologist for Death Valley National Park.
For decades, scientists counted about 200 Devils Hole pupfish in the spring and about 450 in the fall. Pupfish numbers have been precariously low in recent years, dropping to 38 pupfish in 2006-2007 and 35 pupfish in 2013.
Counting pupfish at Devils Hole, Death Valley National Park/Brett Seymour
The only natural habitat of Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) is the upper 80 feet of a deep, water-filled cavern and sun-lit shallow pool at the cavern’s entrance. Devils Hole is located in a detached unit of Death Valley National Park adjacent to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nye County, Nevada.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and National Park Service staff and volunteers worked together on the official fish count, following methods used since 1972. Some scientists donned scuba gear to count fish in the cavern, starting at 100 feet below the surface. Other scientists stayed on the surface to count fish in the shallow pool. The surface and underwater numbers were added together. Researchers conducted multiple counts on September 29 and 30.
The official result, 187 observable pupfish, is the highest count recorded since September 2003. Michael Schwemm, senior fish biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Service, said, “In natural systems it’s important to appreciate that small populations fluctuate in size seasonally and annually, and it is not uncommon to gain or lose 30 fish between counts. Still, our current count far exceeds this margin.”
The scientists were also pleased by how healthy the pupfish looked, and their age range.
“The majority of the fish we counted were juveniles and young adults,” said Brandon Senger, supervising fisheries biologist for Nevada Department of Wildlife. “This population structure is what is really important and we will continue to monitor this closely.”
The next pupfish count will be held in the spring.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
Good news!
That is wonderful news! So happy that the population is increasin!