The Devils Hole pupfish, a rare species living in a deep cavern in Nevada’s Death Valley National Park, is showing promising numbers after recovering from an all-time low population.

The backstory: The Devils Hole pupfish has managed to survive in a harsh environment for thousands of years and in 2013, the population reduced to only 35 fish.
* The latest counts show an observable population of 175, a marked improvement in comparison to two decades ago.
* Given the adverse conditions of its environment, including temperatures of 93 degrees Fahrenheit and low oxygen levels, it’s an achievement for the fish to survive.

Mysteries and threats: It’s not entirely clear why the population has increased, but some hypothesize that recent natural events could play a part.
* In July 2021, a flash flood brought in significant amounts of water which potentially introduced new nutrients to the habitat.
* Remote earthquakes in Alaska and Mexico caused mini-tsunamis in Devil’s Hole, potentially redistributing materials within the ecosystem.

Human assistance: Despite the fish’s adaptability, humans have stepped in to provide some aid for the endangered species.
* Supplemental food and additional plant material for shelter were provided.
* Groundwater pumping, which has reduced the water level in Devils Hole, has likely also contributed to the struggle of the fish’s survival.

Conservation efforts: Efforts are in progress to establish a backup population in a separate facility.
* The conservation facility has recreated the unique ecosystem of Devils Hole in a 100,000-gallon tank, with around 300 fishes.
* Additional threats like climate change raise further concerns for the future of the Devils Hole pupfish.

Who said what: Steve Beissinger, a conservation biologist, called the survival of the pupfish “an inspiring story,” serving as a symbol for persistence and adaptation.

View original article on NPR

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