(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
OTHER COMMON NAMES - PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS; PUPFISH, ASH MEADOWS; PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, BIG SPRING; PUPFISH, NEVADA;PUPFISH and AMARGOSA
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ATHERINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINODONTIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CYPRINODON,
SPECIES AND SSP - NEVADENSIS, MIONECTES
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CYPRINODON NEVADENSIS MIONECTES
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Ash Meadows Amargosa Pupfish
Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes Miller, 1948
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Atheriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinodontidae
Cyprinodon nevadensis was first described from Saratoga Springs,
Death Valley, California in 1889 (05). The range of morphological and
meristic variation within the various populations of C. nevadensis was
reviewed in 1943 (09), but it was not until 1948 that subspecies of C.
nevadensis, including C. n. mionectes, were formally described (10).
Cyprinodon nevadensis is the most morphologically variable
species of pupfish, but can be defined by the following combination of
characters: Scale surface deeply reticulate, ciculi without obvious
spine-like projections; scales large, usually 25 to 26 in lateral
series; central cusp of tricuspid teeth narrower than outer cusps; and
breeding color of males deep blue and without yellow color (09,11).
In his description of C. n. mionectes, Robert Miller
distinguished this subspecies from others in that the former has scale
and finray counts lower than average for the species; a reduced body
size; a short, deep, and slab-sided body with a greatly arched and
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
compressed predorsal profile; and a very long head and opercle (10).
Of the low scale counts, the number around the caudal peduncle was
particularly diagnostic (mean= 13 - 15 vs. 15.4 - 16 for other
subspecies) (10). Variation does exist among the various populations
of C. n. mionectes. This variation has been described and the
various populations have been termed "races" (10).
Common name synonyms include: Ash Meadows pupfish, Big Spring
Amargosa pupfish, Nevada pupfish, Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish, and
Amargosa pupfish.
Type specimens of Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes are deposited
at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Photographs of the
type specimens are included in the original description (10) and some
excellent drawings and color photographs of C. nevadensis and other
species of pupfish can be found in Soltz and Naiman 1978 (15).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Non-consumptive recreational
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis
mionectes) has been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat.
884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The subspecies has this status
wherever found including the State of Nevada. Critical Habitat has
been designated in Nye County, NV (50 CFR 17.95(e)) in portions of:
T17S R50E, Sec. 9, 15, 22, and 23; T18S R50E, Sec. 3 and 11; and T18S
R51E, Sec. 7, 18, and 19.
This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also
responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land
Management lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Nevada
DESIGNATED STATUS: Protected, Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Wildlife
STATE STATUTE: Nevada Admin. Code, 503.015 to 503.080.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes is listed as Vulnerable in the
IUCN Red Data Book, Vol. 4 (1977).
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
As a species within the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge,
occupying a unique and fragile habitat, the Amargosa pupfish has
educational and interpretive values and attracts significant attention
for these purposes.
82/05/10:47 FR 19995/ - Emergency rule, listed Endangered w/ CH
83/01/05:48 FR 00608/00616 - Emergency rule, listed Endangered w/ CH
83/01/05:48 FR 00617/00625 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered w/ CH
83/09/02:48 FR 40178/40186 - Final rule, listed as Endangered w/ CH
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Residential
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
Streams and Canals
Reservoirs
Nonforested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, intermittent UB4
Riverine, intermittent UB3
Riverine, intermittent UB2
Riverine, intermittent UB1
Riverine, intermittent SB4
Riverine, intermittent SB3
Riverine, intermittent SB2
4SB
Riverine, intermittent RB2
Riverine, intermittent RB1
Riverine, intermittent OW0
Riverine, intermittent AB3
Riverine, intermittent AB2
Riverine, intermittent AB1
Riverine, upper perennial UB4
Riverine, upper perennial UB3
Riverine, upper perennial UB2
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
3SB
Riverine, upper perennial SB3
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Riverine, upper perennial RB2
Riverine, upper perennial RB1
Riverine, upper perennial OW0
Riverine, upper perennial AB3
Riverine, upper perennial AB2
Riverine, upper perennial AB1
Riverine, lower perennial UB4
2UB
Riverine, lower perennial UB2
Riverine, lower perennial UB1
Riverine, lower perennial SB4
Riverine, lower perennial SB3
Riverine, lower perennial SB2
Riverine, lower perennial SB1
Riverine, lower perennial RB2
Riverine, lower perennial RB1
Riverine, lower perennial OW0
Riverine, lower perennial AB3
2AB
Riverine, lower perennial AB1
Habitat Associations - 1
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Lacustrine, limnetic UB4
Lacustrine, limnetic UB3
Lacustrine, limnetic UB2
Lacustrine, limnetic UB1
Lacustrine, limnetic OW0
Palustrine EM2
Palustrine EM1
Palustrine AB3
Palustrine AB2
Palustrine AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Ash Meadows is a large oasis in southwestern Nevada. Its nearly
50 seeps and springs discharge about 17,000 acre-feet of water
annually (33,35). This water formerly flowed into an extensive marsh
which was drained in the mid 1960's. Thunderstorms occasionally
caused floodwaters to discharge from Ash Meadows into the Amargosa
River which terminates in the floor of Death Valley. Ash Meadows is
home to some 30 species of endemic plants, insects, snails, other
invertebrates and fish.
Human development outside of Ash Meadows NWR consists primarily
of small scattered residences with which subsistence gardens, small
orchards or agricultural fields may be associated. During the early
1970's a large-scale farm began operating in Ash Meadows. Development
of the large farm involved extensive removal of natural vegetation,
land leveling, construction of irrigation wells, ditches and fences
and other activities necessary for commercial farming (34,36).
Primary crops grown included alfalfa, cotton and sorghum. Cattle were
grazed on developed and irrigated pasture. A U.S. Supreme Court
decision limited groundwater pumping by the large farm in 1976 (37).
The land was sold to a developer who continued farming on a smaller
scale while preparing the land for subdivision development. The
12,663 acre subdivision, after extensive efforts by conservationists,
was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 1984 and then resold to the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The USFWS plans to restore
the area for use as a Wildlife Refuge (31). Currently there are no
agricultural uses associated with Ash Meadows NWR.
Natural vegetation on the nearly level terrain near the springs
is dominated by groves of ash trees (Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea)
and screwbean (Prosopis pubescens) in association with a large scrub
(Baccharis emoryi). Sand dunes in the area are donimated by mesquite
(Prosopis glandulosa var torreyana). Shadscale (Atriplex
confertifolia) and Haplopappus (Haplopappus acradenius) dominate areas
away from direct influence of the spring waters. Large areas of
seasonally wet, salt-encrusted soils are covered with saltgrass
(Distichlis spicata). Greasewood (Larrea sp.) dominates the better
drained soils on the surrounding slopes.
The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis
mionectes) and the Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus
nevadensis) occurred a large number of the springs and outflow streams
and remnants of the large marsh at lowest elevations in Ash Meadows.
The Warm Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis) lives in
a few springs at slightly higher elevation. Warm Springs pupfish
habitats have been altered relatively little, because they were never
included in the large commercial farm or in the area targeted for
subdivision development. A private residence, road, culverts and
fencing are obvious features that today alter the natural water
courses. Some grazing has occurred in the area, but BLM removed many
feral horses from the area.
Habitat Associations - 2 The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish occurs in a variety of low
elevation (670-710 m) spring systems (03,15). Although the abundance
of the pupfish varies within each spring system, it occupies
headwater spring pools as well as outlfow creeks 2 km or more distant,
marshes connected to spring systems, and ephemeral pools formed by
spring waters (06,10,14,17). The pupfish also occurs in irrigation
ditches and canals that utilize the spring flows for irrigation.
Most data indicate that water temperatures of the springs are
constant. Springs inhabited by the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish
range from about 27 to 31 degrees C (10). Spring outflows and marshes
presently or formerly occupied by the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish are
thermally variable (10,26). Similar habitats occupied by closely
related subspecies have more complete thermal information (24,25,26,
27,21,20). C. n. nevadensis occurs in Saratoga Springs and its
associated marsh where temperatures range between 2 and 44 degrees C
(20). These temperatures approach or exceed the thermal limits that
have been established for survival of the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish
(21,22,23,30). Critical thermal maximum and minimum temperatures for
the subspecies when reared at 29 degrees C is 41.7 and 2.8 degrees C,
respectively (22,23). The upper lethal temperature for fish living
at 26.5 degrees C was 41.2 degrees C (21). Lower lethal temperatures
for fish acclimatized to 31.4 degrees C was 4-5 degrees C (21).
Lethal temperatures can be shifted slightly up or down by
acclimatization or acclimation (23).
Salinity in spring habitats occupied by the Ash Meadows Amargosa
pupfish is very low (28,30). Marsh habitats in the Ash Meadows area
would doubtlessly show an increase in total dissolved solids. Such
increase would, however, be unlikely to present serious osmotic
challenges to the pupfish since closely related species have been
shown capable of surviving exposure to extremely high salinities (29,
30).
In summary, the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish occupies a variety
of spring, stream and marsh habitats in Ash Meadows, which are
currently affected by small scale farm plots. Pupfish numbers
presently are greatest, perhaps, in calm, clear, spring pools;
although they also occur in rather rapidly-flowing creeks (17). Dense
populations probably formerly occurred in the extensive Carson Slough.
Marsh habitats are densely populated by other subspecies of pupfishes
nearby at Tecopa (24) and at Saratoga Springs (20). Most habitats
possess clear water (10). Substrates vary from soft, easily-roiled
silt in spring pools, to fine gravels in outflow creeks (10,17).
Aquatic vegetation may be present or absent in areas where pupfish
occur. Juveniles occur in shallower water than adults and may be more
dependent upon the presence of cover (11,15). Physical and chemical
characteristics of the environment may be extremely constant or highly
variable.
Habitat Associations - 3 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Floating aquat. plant
General Vascular Plants-Emergent Nonwoody
General Vascular Plants-Submerged Nonwoody
General Evergreen Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Carrion
General Detritus
General Diatoms
General Algae
General Zooplankton
General Arthropods
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G
G Availability of fence rows: roadside ditches and grassy
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The primary food of Amargosa pupfish, Cyprinodon nevadensis,
appears to be plant material, especially algae (11). Their intestines
are long and convoluted, characteristic of herbivores. Small
invertebrates also are consumed, and may constitute a substantial
portion of the diet in certain seasons (11,12).
The particular food habits of C. n. mionectes have not been
studied, however, other subspecies of C. nevadensis have been
examined. The diet of C. n. amargosae, which inhabits the Amargosa
River, consists primarily of detritus and diatoms (12). Smaller
amounts of ostracods and chironomid larvae were also consumed (12).
The diet of C. n. nevadensis of Saratoga Springs was more diverse.
Detritus, algae, Ceratophyllum demersum, Tamarix flower buds,
hydrobiid snails, amphipods and ostracods were primary foods (12,25).
Although the long intestine would seem to indicate that C. n.
mionectes has an herbivorous feeding habit, omnivory is indicated. In
spring habitats with a more diverse invertebrate fauna, many molluscs,
microcrustaceans and insect larvae are consumed. Terrestrial insects
which fall into the water may also be consumed.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Mature male Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish are territorial during
the spawning season and actively defend their territories from other
males (07,14). A consort pair breeding system has also been observed
in this subspecies (07). Males are territorial throughout the
breeding season, which can be nearly year-round in the warm,
constant-temperature springs of Ash Meadows. Territoriality and
consort-pair spawning apparently breaks down to be replaced by group
spawning at high population densities (30).
PERIODICITY:
Activity cycles are largely unknown. Pupfish are usually quite
active throughout the year in the warm springs (11,14). As distance
from the constant-temperature springs increases, water temperature is
more variable and some seasonal peaks in activity could be expected
(02,07). Activity is probably severely curtailed at temperatures
below 10 degrees C or above 38 degrees C (20,25). Daily periodicity
tends toward crepuscular activity but is frequently controlled by
temperature in the more variable environments in the closely related
C. n. nevadensis (02,20,25).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish is non-migratory. No literature
indicates migratory behavior for pupfish.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Little information is available concerning the specific habitat
requirements for the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish. Spawning habitat
usually consists of open water with soft silt or sand substrate (11,
14). Juvenile fish are more often found along the margins of spring
pools and creeks where aquatic vegetation is more abundant (32).
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
For the closely related C. n. nevadensis, living in a constant
temperature spring pool there is a tendency for smaller individuals to
prefer heavily vegetated, near-surface areas while larger fish prefer
vegetated areas near the bottom (25).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
During the breeding season, males actively defend territories.
The spawning substrate is generally a loose mixture of silt, sand and
detritus (15). In most spring systems, spawning habitat is limited
and there is an excess of mature males (14,15). Thus, territories are
often closely packed. No nests are constructed. Instead, females
deposit one to two eggs at a time, which are immediately fertilized by
the attending male.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
In the constant-temperature environment, spawning usually extends
from February to September (15). But, in some springs, spawning
occurs throughout the year (15). Growth is rapid in warm springs and
sexual maturity can be reached at four to six weeks (10), or when fish
are 20 mm standard length (14,30). Warm springs may produce several
generations per year (11). Cooler spring outflows, creeks, and marsh
habitats produce fewer generations of pupfish per year (14). Females
maturing more rapidly tend to produce more eggs than those that mature
more slowly, and, while the number of eggs laid per day is highly
variable, a 32 mm (SL) female can be expected to produce about 25 eggs
(30).
Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish exhibit considerable behavioral
plasticity (14,30). Consort pairing tends to dominate early in the
year at low population densities, males begin territorial behavior as
sex ratios approach 5:2 (male:female). At higher population densities
territoriality begins to break down and the pupfish form loose
aggregations with only occasional consort pair spawning (30).
PARENTAL CARE:
No parental care is known, although territorial males provide
some protection to eggs within their territorial boundaries.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Despite large numbers of exotic species, large populations of Ash
Meadows Amargosa pupfish persist at several springs. Jack Rabbit and
Big Springs harbor large, viable poulations of pupfish in spring pools
and outflows (17). Limiting factors have not been studies in detail
but probably relate primarily to the presence of exotic competitors
and predators. Predation occurs from exotic bullfrogs and crayfish as
well as the exotic fishes (10,15). In more natural systems where
exotic species are less of a problem, a lack of suitable spawning
sites may be a primary limiting factor (14,15,07).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Because of predation and/or competition pressures, reductions in
the population of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and sailfin mollies
(Poecilia latipinna) would very likely result in increased populations
of pupfish (17). Also, reduced populations of crayfish and bullfrogs
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
would benefit the pupfish (17).
The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish also occupies habitats of the
endangered Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis)
and the now extinct Ash Meadows poolfish (Empetrichthys merriami) (03,
17).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Invertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Disease
Existing Disease
Adverse Parasites
Existing Parasites
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Existing Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Groundwater drawdown
Existing Groundwater drawdown
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The primary threats to the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish consist
of habitat destruction and the inimical effects of exotic fish
introductions. Physical alteration of habitats has consisted of
1) pumping of spring water for agricultural uses (which caused water
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
level fluctuations serious enough to completely drain at least one
area and cause a local extirpation),
2) channelization of spring outflows,
3) clearing of riparian vegetation,
4) cementing channels, and
5) draining marshes and creeks
See references (01,02,06,13,15,16,17,18,19).
The introduction and establishment of a variety of exotic fishes
(some stocked into downstream reservoirs) has also threatened the
pupfish (02,03,04,06,15,16,17,18,19). The exact mechanisms by which
exotic fishes affect the pupfish are uncertain, but some species
(e.g., largemouth bass, arawana) undoubtedly prey on the pupfish,
while others (e.g., sailfin mollies, mosquitofish) probably compete
with the pupfish. The introduction of exotic parasites and/or
diseases, or an increased susceptibility to indigenous parasites, is
also a problem when exotic fishes are introduced (02).
Trampling by people, horses, and free-roaming burrows caused
gradual degradation of the spring and outlet stream banks. These
processes denuded the edge of the spring pool and destroy the
structure of the outlet stream. Tamarisk, an introduced species not
native to the spring system, may have adversely impacted the habitat,
especially the outlet streams (39). At the time of listing, existing
State regulations were not adequate to counter the threats to the
species (40).
Because of the recent acquisition of many spring areas by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the major threats in the future will
most likely consist of additional exotic species introductions rather
than physical habitat alteration. Because of the changes in land
ownership, a major residential and commercial development planned for
Ash Meadows will not be built and is no longer a threat (13,16,19).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the
Endangered and Threatened Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada. Agency
Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 169 pp.
The primary objective in recovery of the Ash Meadows Amargosa
pupfish is to reclassify the endangered populations to non-listed
status, and will be accomplished by restoring and protecting habitat
which can support viable, self-sustaining populations. The size and
extent of populations needs to be determined; the habitat occurs
within the Ash Meadows essential habitat. Reclassification may be
considered when threats have been removed and when
habitats/populations have been restored for a period of ten years and
to specified levels (as determined through research).
The general criteria for reclassifying/delisting the Ash Meadows
Amargosa pupfish is summarized as follows:
1. Protect the Ash Meadows aquifer to maintain the current (January
1986) spring discharge (requires maintaining or controlling the water
table).
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
2. Maintain each population within all of its historic habitat at a
size to be detrmined by research.
3. Secure and withdraw habitats and incorporate them into Ash
Meadows NWR (including land and water right acquisition). Adverse
development such as road construction must be prohibited. Restricting
the use of off-road vehicles and some camping sites may be necessary,
along with prohibiting swimming, fishing and hiking in some areas.
4. Eliminate introduced species (including species of crayfish,
bullfrog, snails, fish, wild horses, and plants).
5. Reconstruct habitat, plant communities and aquatic communities,
and reestablish populations throughout its native range.
6. Enforce all State and Federal laws and regulations.
7. Implement a public information and education program.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Bateman, R.L., A.L. Mindling, and R.L. Naff. 1974. Development
and management of ground water in relation to preservation of
desert pupfish in Ash Meadows, southern Nevada. Tech. Rept. Ser.
H-W, Center for Water Resour. Res. Publ. 17, Univ. Nevada, Reno.
02 Deacon, J.E. 1979. Endangered and threatened fishes of the West.
Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64.
03 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
04 Deacon, J.E., C. Hubbs, and B.J. Zahuranec. 1964. Some effects of
introduced fishes on the native fish fauna of southern Nevada.
Copeia 1964:384-388.
05 Eigenmann, C.H. and R.S. Eigenmann. 1889. Description of a new
species of Cyprinodon. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 1:270.
06 Hardy, T. 1980. The Inter-basin area report - 1979. Proc. Desert
Fishes Council 11:5-21.
07 Kodric-Brown, A. 1981. Variable breeding systems in pupfishes
(genus Cyprinodon): Adaptations to changing environments. Pages
205-235. IN: Fishes in North American deserts. R.J. Naiman and
D.L. Soltz, eds. Wiley-Interscience, New York.
08 La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and fisheries of Nevada. Nev. State
Fish and Game Comm. 782 pp.
09 Miller, R.R. 1943. The status of Cyprinodon macularius and
Cyprinodon nevadensis, two desert fishes of western North America.
Occ. Pap. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich. 473:1-25.
10 Miller, R.R. 1948. The cyprinodont fishes of the Death Valley
system of eastern California and southwestern Nevada. Misc. Publ.
Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich. 68:1-155.
11 Moyle, P.B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. Univ. Calif.
Press, Berkeley. 405 pp.
12 Naiman, R.J. 1979. Preliminary food studies of Cyprinodon
macularius and Cyprinodon nevadensis (Cyprinodontidae). Southwest.
Nat. 24:538-541.
13 Sanchez, P.G. 1981. Ash Meadows scenario. Cal-Neva Wild. Trans.
1981:144-147.
14 Soltz, D.L. 1974. Variation in life history and social
organization of sume populations of Nevada pupfish, Cyprinodon
nevadensis. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. Calif., Los Angeles.
15 Soltz, D.L. and R.J. Naiman. 1978. The natural history of the
native fishes in the Death Valley system. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los
Angeles Co. 30:1-76.
16 Williams, C.D. 1984. The decline of Ash Meadows, a unique desert
ecosystem. Proc. Calif. Ripar. Syst. Conf. 1984:716-719.
17 Williams, J.E. and D.W. Sada. 1985. Status of two endangered
fishes, Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes and Rhinichthys osculus
nevadensis, from two springs in Ash Meadows, Nevada. Southwest.
Nat. 30(4):475-484.
18 Deacon, J.E., G. Kobetich, J.D. Williams, S. Conteras, et al.
1979. Fishes of North America, endangered, threatened, or of
special concern: 1979. Fisheries 4:29-44.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
19 Cook, S.R. and C.D. Williams. 1982. The status and future of Ash
Meadows, Nye County, Nevada. Office of the Attorney general, State
of Nevada, Carson City, NV.
20 Deacon, J.E. 1968. Ecological studies of aquatic habitats in
Death Valley National Monument, with special reference to Saratoga
Springs. Final Rept. under Contract No. 14-10-0434-1989. 82 pp.
21 Brown, J.H. and C.R. Feldmeth. 1971. Evolution in constant and
fluctuating environments: Thermal tolerances of desert pupfish
(Cyprinodon). Evolution 25:390-398.
22 Hirshfield, M.F., C.R. Feldmeth, and D.L. Soltz. 1980. Genetic
differences in physiological tolerances of Amargosa pupfish
(Cyprinodon nevadensis) populations. Science 207:999-1001.
23 Feldmeth, C.R. 1981. The evolution of thermal tolerance in desert
pupfish (Genus Cyprinodon). Pages 357-384. IN: Fishes in North
American deserts. R.J. Naiman, and D.L. Soltz, eds.
Wiley-Interscience, New York.
24 Naiman, R.J. 1976. Productivity of a herbivorous pupfish
population (Cyprinodon nevadensis) in a warm desert stream. J.
Fish Biol. 9:125-137.
25 Deacon, J.E. 1967. The ecology of Saratoga Springs Death Valley
National Monument. Final Rept. under Contract No. 14-10-0434-0989.
26 Deacon, J.E. and W.L. Minckley. 1974. Desert Fishes. Pages
385-487. IN: Desert Biology, Vol. 2. G.W. Brown, Jr., ed.
Academic Press, New York.
27 Brown, J.H. 1971. The desert pupfish. Sci. Am. 225:104-110.
28 Winograd, I.J. and W. Thordarson. 1975. Hydrogeologic and
hydrochemical framework, south-central Great Basin,
Nevada-California, with special reference to the Nevada Test Site.
Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 712-C, 1-126.
29 Hillyard, S.D. 1981. Energy metabolism and osmoregulation in
desert fishes. Pages 385-409. IN: Fishes in North American
deserts. R.J. Naiman and D.L. Soltz, eds. Wiley-Interscience,
New York.
30 Soltz, D.L. and M.F. Hirschfield. 1981. Genetic differentiation
of pupfishes (Genus Cyprinodon) in the American southwest. Pages
291-333. IN: Fishes in North American Deserts. R.J. Naiman and
D.L. Soltz, eds. Wiley-Interscience, New York.
31 Beatley, J.C. 1978. Ash Meadows: Nevada's unique oasis in the
Mojave Desert. Mentzelia 3:20--24.
32 Williams, Jack E. 1985. Personal observations. 2800 Cottage Way,
Room E-1823, Sacramento, CA 95825.
33 Bateman, R.L., A.L. Mindling, and R.L. Naff. 1974. Development
and management of ground water in relation to preservation of
desert pupfish in Ash Meadows, southern Nevada. Univ. Nev. Desert
Res. Inst., Tech. Rept. Ser. H-W Hydro. Water Res. Publ. No.
17:1-39.
34 Dudley, W.W., Jr. and J.D Larson. 1976. Effect of irigation
pumping on desert pupfish habitats in Ash Meadows, Nye Co., Nevada.
U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 927:1-52.
35 Walker, G.E. and T.E. Eakin. 1963. Geology and ground water at
Amargosa Desert, Nevada-California. Nevada Dept. Conserv. Nat.
Res., Water Res. Reconn. Ser. Rept. 14:1-45.
36 Worts, G.F., Jr. 1963. Effect of ground water development on the
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, ASH MEADOWS
Species Id ESIS251003
Date 14 MAR 96
pool level in Devil's Hole, Death Valley National Monument, Nye
Co., Nevada. U.S. Geol. Surv., Water Res. Div., Carson City, NV.
27 pp.
37 Baugh T.M. and J.E. Deacon. 1983. Maintaining the Devil's Hole
pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis Wales in aquaria. J. Aquariculture
Aquat. Sci. 3(4):73-75.
38 Lee, D.S., et al. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater
fishes. N.C. State Mus. Nat. History. 854 pp.
39 Detweiler, K.G. 1980. Intensive inventory and analysis Ash
Meadows wildlife habitat area. Report N5-WHA-A1. Stateline -
Esmeralda Resource Area, Las Vegas District, Bur. Land Mgmt., NV.
April 21, 1980. 56 pp + appendices.
40 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. September 2, 1983. Determination
of Endangered status and Critical Habitat for two fish species; Ash
Meadows, Nevada. Fed. Reg. 48(172):40178-40186.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Baugh, T., J.E. Williams, D. Buck, and J.E. Deacon. 1986. New
distributional records for Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes, an
endangered pupfish from Ash Meadows, Nevada. Southwest. Nat.
31(4):544-546.
02 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
03 Hardy, T. 1980. The Inter-basin area report - 1979. Proc. Desert
Fishes Council. 11:5-21.
04 La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and fisheries of Nevada. Nev. State
Fish and Game Comm. 782 pp.
05 Miller, R.R. 1948. The cyprinodont fishes of the Death Valley
system of eastern California and southwestern Nevada. Misc. Publ.
Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. 68:1-155.
06 Soltz, D.L. and R.J. Naiman. 1978. The natural history of the
native fishes in the Death Valley system. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los
Angeles Co. 30:1-76.
07 Williams, J.E. and D.W. Sada. 1985. Status of two endangered
fishes, Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes and Rhinichthys osculus
nevadensis, from two springs in Ash Meadows, Nevada. Southwest.
Nat. 30(4):475-484.
08 Cook, S.R. and C.D. Williams. 1982. The status and future of Ash
Meadows, Nye County, Nevada. Office of the Attorney general, State
of Nevada, Carson City, NV.
References - 3