Devil's Hole Pupfish Recovery Effort
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the results of its April 6-7 count of the Devil's Hole pupfish population, finding 35 observable fish compared to the 63 observed last spring. Fish and Wildlife Service found 75 fish in the fall of 2012, but noted that the fish experiences natural high and low cycles in its population from fall to spring. Still, the decline between the two spring surveys is concerning, and FWS notes that the species is in continued decline. It may look like just a puddle, but this is the very top level of water that extends down nearly 400 feet of a cavern, although the Devil's Hole pupfish are believed to only inhabit the upper 80 feet where the water temperature is about 93 degrees. We cannot afford to lose any more biodiversity, including that of the Devil's Hole pupfish. The species has survived isolation in its current habitat for 10,000-22,000 years, enduring harsh conditions and changes. Groundwater pumping by nearby agricultur