(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
OTHER COMMON NAMES - PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS; PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, WARM SPRINGS;PUPFISH, AMARGOSA, LOVELL SPRING; PUPFISH, AMARGOSA; PUPFISH and NEVADA
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, PECTORALIS
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CYPRINODON NEVADENSIS PECTORALIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Warm Springs Pupfish
Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis 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. pectoralis, 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).
This subspecies was originally classified by Miller (16), who
collected the holotype UMMZ No. 141779 and 255 paratypes UMMZ No.
132908. These specimens are maintained at the University of Michigan,
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (16). This subspecies is the smallest of
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
the Cyprinodon nevadensis complex of fishes and is distinguished from
other subspecies by more numerous pectoral fin rays and preopercular
pores. Also in comparison with C. n. mionectes, C. n. pectoralis has
a broader body, a larger and a deeper head and a wider mouth (16,17).
Miller (16) also showed a tendency toward reduction in number and
possible loss of pelvic fins. The number of pectoral rays averages
16.98 and the number of preopercular pores averages 13.36-14.02 (17).
Synonyms to the common name include Lovell Spring Amargosa
pupfish, Warm Springs Amargosa pupfish, Amargosa pupfish, and Nevada
pupfish. The scientific name Cyprinodon nevadensis also is used in
the literature in reference to this subspecies.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Warm Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis) has
been designated as Endangered 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 not been
designated.
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 foreign law; 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.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE: Nevada
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Wildlife
STATE STATUTE: Nevada Revised Statutes 501.181, 501.351,
503.584, 503.585, 503.587, 503.588, and 503.589.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The 1977 IUCN Red Data Book lists C. n. pectoralis as vulnerable.
This subspecies is listed by the U.S. in the Convention on Nature
Protection and Wildlife Preservion in the Western Hemisphere (1970).
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.
70/08/25:35 FR 13519/13520 - Proposed rule
70/10/13:35 FR 16047/16048 - Listed as Endangered
75/05/16:40 FR 21499/21500 - Notice of intent, Critical Habitat
79/05/21:44 FR 29566/29577 - Five year review
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
87/07/07:52 FR 25522/ - Notice of five year review completion
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Residential
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
Streams and Canals
Nonforested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Palustrine EM2
Palustrine EM1
Palustrine AB3
Palustrine AB2
Palustrine AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Warm Springs pupfish occupies a variety of spring, outflow
stream, and marsh habitats in Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada. Marsh
habitats are densely populated by this subspecies. Substrates vary
from soft, easily-roiled silt in marshes to small gravel in outflows.
Juveniles occur in shallower water than adults and may be more
dependent upon the presence of cover (18,26,28). Physical and
chemical characteristics of the environments are generally stable but
may vary. All habitats occupied by this subspecies are very small and
easily modified by minor perterbations.
Ash Meadows is a large oasis in southwestern Nevada. Ash
Meadows' nearly 40 seeps and springs discharge about 17,000 acre-feet
of water annually (31,35). 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.
Natural vegetation on the nearly level terrain near 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 dominated 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 asculus
nevadensis) live in 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
Habitat Associations - 1 fencing are obvious features that today alter the natural water
courses. Some grazing has occurred in the area, but the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) is in the process of removing feral horses from
the area.
The Warm Springs pupfish is presently located in six spring
habitats and their outflows in Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada (24).
These springs are North Scruggs Springs, South Scruggs Springs, Marsh
Springs, North Indian Springs, South Indian Springs, and School
Springs (24). All of the springs are located in an area of less than
2.6 square km at an elevation of about 710 m. In the past, this
subspecies also occupied Mexican Spring, within the same area. This
spring was dewatered in 1973. All of the present habitats are small
with the spring pools less than 1.3 m deep and 2 m in diameter (26,
28). Temperatures are usually constant and range from 30 to 33
degrees C depending on the spring (26,28). Mexican Spring was cooler
and more variable (12.5 to 30 degrees C) (26). Spring outflows and
marshes formed by these outflows are thermally variable (16). Similar
habitats occupied by closely related subspecies have more complete
thermal information (03,04,05,06,09,21). C. n. nevadensis occurs in
Saratoga Springs and its associated marsh where temperatures range
between 2 and 44 degrees C (06). These temperatures approach or
exceed the thermal limits that have been established for survival of
the Warm Springs pupfish (04,12). Critical thermal maximum and
minimum temperatures for this subspecies when acclimatized to 20
degrees C are 42.1 and 6 - 7 degrees C (04). The critical thermal
minimum for fish taken from Scruggs Springs at a temperature of 32.5
degrees C is 6 - 7 degrees C (12).
Salinity in springs occupied by the Warm Springs pupfish is very
low (27). Marshy habitats in the outflows from these springs would
show an increase in total dissolved solids. Such an 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 (14,27).
Chara and Spirogyra are the dominant submerged aquatic plants and
Scripus and Typha the dominant emergent plants in most Warm Springs
pupfish habitats (26). Under some conditions, these plants plus other
nearby riparian or phreatophytic vegetation can severely affect the
habitat either by filling up the aquatic space of by drying up the
habitat.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
General Fish
General Detritus
General Diatoms
General Algae
General Zooplankton
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
General Worms
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
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 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, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Soltz (26) found that feeding by the Mexican Spring population
of the Warm Springs pupfish occurs throughout the day, gradually
increasing during morning hours, dropping in intensity at mid-day as
agonistic behaviors increase and then increasing to a daily maximum by
late afternoon. In variable temperature environments the rate of
feeding varies directly with temperature (26). Fry feed at lower
light intensities, in shallower, more thermally variable water and at
lower temperatures than do adults. Reproductive males defending
established breeding territories feed within the territorial
boundaries and occasionally consume eggs laid there and larvae.
Feeding intensity by these males is considerably reduced as
territorial defense occupies a large percentage of their time (26).
Though specific information on stomach contents of Warm Springs
pupfish is not available, Soltz (26) notes that the subspecies is an
opportunistic omnivore feeding primarily on detritus and is,
therefore, similar to the Amargosa pupfish (C. n. amargosae) which has
been examined in detail by Naiman (19,20,21,22). That subspecies
feeds primarily on an algae-detritus mixture (ca. 80% volume)
throughout the year. During certain seasons small invertebrates
(chironmids, ostracods, copepods) may constitute a substantial portion
of the diet (18,22).
The diet of C. n. nevadensis (Saratoga Springs pupfish) was more
diverse including, primarily, detritus algae, Ceratophyllum demersum,
Tamarix flower buds, hydrobiid snails, amphipods and ostracods (05,
22). The long intestine is consistent with the predominantly
herbivorous feeding habit. Omnivory, especially in the cooler
habitats, is perhaps more prevalent than expected. In spring habitats
with a more diverse invertebrate fauna, many molluscs,
microcrustaceans and insect larvae are consumed.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Mature male Warm Springs pupfish are territorial during the
spawning season and actively defend their territories from other males
(15,26). Dominance-hierarchy and consort-pair breeding systems have
also been observed in this subspecies (15). 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 break down to be replaced by group
spawning at high population densities (27). Ephemeral feeding
territories may be establsihed during the non-reproductive season.
In the marsh below Marsh Spring, adult pupfish defend ephemeral
feeding territories, which may contain pits dug by the defender,
during the non-reproductive period only. The level of activitiy
during such defense is extremely high and apparently cannot be
sustained for more than fifteen minutes.
PERIODICITY:
Feeding occurs during daylight, gradually increasing in intensity
to late afternoon. Increased aggressive behavior associated with
reproduction may cause a mid-day depression in feeding intensity.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
Pupfish are usually quite active throughout the year in Warm Springs
(18,25). As distance from the constant temperature springs increases,
water temperature is more variable and some seasonal peaks in both
reproductive and non-reproductive activity occur (07,09,15). Activity
is probably severely curtailed at temperatures below 10 degrees C or
above 38 degrees C (05,06). Daily periodicity tends toward
crepuscular activity but is frequently controlled by temperature in
the more variable environments occupied by the closely related C. n.
nevadensis (05,06,08).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Warm Springs pupfish is non-migratory. No literature
indicates migratory behavior for pupfish.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Fry (less than 13 mm) consistently select the shallowest water
habitats available where algal growth is maximal, flow is minimal,
and disturbance by adults is minimal (26). Spawning habitat usually
consists of open water with soft silt or sand substrate (18,26).
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 (05).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
During the breeding season males actively defend territories.
The spawning substrate is usually a loose mixture of silt, sand, and
detritus (26,28). No nests are constructed. Females deposit one or
two eggs at a time, which are immediately fertilized by an attending
male. Soltz (26) found that this subspecies spawned on algae attached
to the vertical walls of Indian Springs but in habitats where the more
usual horizontal spawning substrates were available, they were used.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
In the constant temperature environment spawning usually extends
from February to September (26,28). But in some springs spawning
occurs throughout the year (28). Growth is rapid in Warm Springs and
sexual maturity can be reached at four to six weeks (16) at a size of
about 20 mm SL (26). Warm Springs may produce several generations per
year (18). Maximum recruitment in the Indian, Marsh, and Mexican
Spring populations occurs in late spring and early summer and was more
distinctly seasonal in Mexican Spring than elsewhere (26).
As with other pupfish the Warm Springs pupfish exhibits
considerable behavioral plasticity (26,27). Consort-pairing tends to
dominate early in the year at low population densities, males begin
territorial behavior as the number of males begins to exceed the
number of females. At high population densities territoriality begins
to break down and the pupfish form loose aggregations with only
occasional consort-pair spawning (27). In the extremely small
habitats occupied by this subspecies, a dominance hierarchy is
established (26).
PARENTAL CARE:
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
No parental care is known, although Baugh (02) has shown that
Cyprinodon diabolis males will defend areas in which they have
fertilized eggs. Males of the Warm Springs pupfish actively defend
all-purpose territories during the reproductive season and perhaps
provide some protection to their eggs as a consequence (26).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Soltz (26) has performed the only study of population biology of
Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis, although a smaller scale study of
the population dynamics of this species in the observation pool at
School Springs is presently underway by Paul Stolberg of the Dept. of
Biological Sciences, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas. Soltz (26) found
that the populations of this subspecies in Indian Springs, Marsh
Springs, and Mexican Spring followed a seasonal cycle with increases
in fish numbers from spring to fall and a general decline during the
winter months. The period of maximum recruitment in Indian Springs
occurred during the late spring and early summer. Soltz also found a
marked increase in the proportion of juveniles in Indian Springs
during the summer months with the proportion of juveniles to adults
never exceeding 50% and usually less than 25%. Females apparently
mature at about 20 mm.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Because of predation and/or competition pressures, reductions in
the population of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), sailfin mollies
(Poecilia latipinna), crayfish, and bullfrogs might result in
increased populations of pupfish (30). The Ash Meadows speckled dace
(Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis) is nowhere sympatric with C. n.
pectoralis.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
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 Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
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 Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The Warm Springs pupfish is presently located in six spring
habitats and their outflows in Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada. These
springs include: North Scruggs Springs, South Scruggs Springs, Marsh
Spring, School Spring, North Indian Spring and South Indian Spring.
All of these springs have, to some extent, undergone modification by
humans.
Human development in the area 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 (32). The land
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
was then 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. The Fish and Wildlife Service is
restoring the area for use as a National Wildlife Refuge (33).
Currently there are no agricultural uses associated with Ash Meadows
NWR.
Vegetation has been removed from some springs and banks have
been altered, tropical fishes have been introduced as have crayfish
and bullfrogs. The exact mechanisms by which exotic species affect
the pupfish are uncertain, but some species may prey on pupfish while
others (e.g., sailfin mollies, and mosquitofish) probably compete, in
some way, with the pupfish. Outflow channels have been straightened
(01,07,11,13,25,26,28,29). Scruggs and Indian Springs have been
altered relatively little except by trampling from feral horses and
burros. The flows from the two Scruggs springs have been directed
through culverts under a poorly maintained road. The outflow from
Marsh Spring (=Indian Spring in 17) is impounded in a small, shallow
reservoir. Mexican Spring was a very small (3.25 sq. meter) spring
that persisted at least six years from 1967-73 (26) and almost
certainly for a considerable period prior to that. A recommendation
to fence Mexican Spring (to protect it from trampling by feral horses
and burros) was made during the 1971 annual meeting of the Desert
Fishes Council (23). The fence was constructed by the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) during 1972 (23). During 1973, probably as a
consequence of greatly increased evapotranspiration from the then
unihibited vegetation growth within the fence, Mexican Spring dried up
(23). Before Mexican spring dried up the pupfish poulation was quite
low (20 to 50 individuals) and subject to the degrimental effects of a
low gene pool (36). School Spring has been modified in accordance
with a management plan developed by the BLM. The spring area has been
fenced, much of the flow has been directed into a series of four
gunnite pools and some flow is directed into a small pond outside the
fenced area referred to as an observaton pond. The entire system
requires constant maintenance to remain useful as a fish habitat.
Fish population size declines when vegetation increases enough to
choke the available habitat or when evapotranspiration reduces the
amount of water in the system. The subspecies maintains a good
population only if the School Spring system is maintained.
Because some lands surrounding Warm Springs pupfish populations
remain in private ownership, a potential future threat is reduced
spring flow should these lands be converted to agriculture and water
drawn for irrigation (36).
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 Warm Springs pupfish
is to reclassify the endangered populations to non-listed status, and
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
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 Warm Springs
pupfish are summarized as follows:
1. Protect the Ash Meadows aquifer to maintain the current (January
1986) spring discharge (requires maintaining or controlling the water
table).
2. Maintain each population within all of its historic habitat at a
minimum size to be determined 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, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
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 measurement of groundwater in relation to preservation of
desert pupfish in Ash Meadows, southern Nevada. Tech. Rep. Ser.
H-W. Cent. Water Resour. Res. Publ. 17, Univ. Nev., Reno.
02 Baugh, T.M. 1985. Patterns of behavior in the Devils Hole pupfish
Cyprinodon diabois Wales in aquaria. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Nevada,
Las Vegas. 73 pp.
03 Brown, J.H. 1971. The desert pupfish. Sci. Amer. 225:104-110.
04 Browh, J.H. and C.R. Feldmeth. 1971. Evolution in constant and
fluctuating environments: Thermal tolerances of desert pupfish
(Cyprinodon). Evolution 25:390-398.
05 Deacon, J.E. 1968. Ecological studies of aquatic habitats in
Death Valley National Monument. Final Rep., Res. accompl. under
Contr. No. 14-10-0434-0989.
06 Deacon, J.E. 1968. Ecological studies of aquatic habitats in
Death Valley National Monument, with special reference to Saratoga
Springs. Final report of research accomplished under Contract No.
14-10-0434-1989. 82 pp.
07 Deacon, J.E. 1979. Endangered and threatened fish of the West.
Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64.
08 Deacon, J.E. and M.S. Deacon. 1979. Research on endangered fishes
in the National Parks, with special emphasis on the Devils Hole
pupfish. Pages 9-19. IN: Proc. of the First Conf. on Sci. Res.
in the National Parks, Vol. 1. R.M. Linn, ed. U.S. Dept. Int. NPS
Trans. and Proc. Ser. 5, Wash., D.C.
09 Deacon, J.E. and W.L. Minckley. 1974. Desert fishes. Pages
385-487. IN: Desert biology. G.W. Brown, Jr., ed. Vol. 2.
Academic Press, New York.
10 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
11 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.
12 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.
13 Hardy, T. 1980. The Inter-basin area report - 1979. Proc. Desert
Fishes Council 11:5-21.
14 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.
15 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.
16 Miller, R.R. and J.E. Deacon. 1973. New localities of the rare
warm prings pupfish, Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis, from Ash
Meadows, Nevada. Copeia 1973(1):137-140.
18 Moyle, P.B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. Univ. Calif.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
Press. Berkeley. 405 pp.
19 Naiman, R.J. 1974. Bioenergetics of a pupfish population
(Cyprinodon) and its algal food supply in the thermal stream.
Ph.D. Thesis, Ariz. State Univ., Tempe. 103 pp.
20 Naiman, R.J. 1975. Food habits of the Amargosa pupfish in a
thermal stream. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 104(3):536-538.
21 Naiman, R.J. 1976. Productivity of an herbivorous pupfish
population (Cyprinodon nevadensis) in a warm desert stream. J.
Fish Biol. 9:125-137.
22 Naiman, R.J. 1979. Preliminary food studies of Cypronodon
mascularius and Cyprinodon nevadensis (Cyprinodontidae). Southwest
Nat. 24:538-541.
23 Pister, E.P. 1983. Pages 10, 83, 165. Proc. Desert Fishes
Council 3-9:1-363.
24 Sada, D.W. and A. Mozejko. 1984. Environmental Assessment:
Proposed acquisition to establish Ash Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge, Nye County, Nevada. U.S. Dept. Int., Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Portland, OR.
25 Sanchez, P.G. 1981. Ash Meadows scenario. Cal-Neva Wildl. Trans.
1981:144-147.
26 Soltz, D.L. 1974. Variation in life history and social
organization of some populations of Nevada pupfish. Cyprinodon
nevadensis. Ph.D. diss, Univ. Calif, Los Angeles.
27 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.I. Soltz, eds. Wiley Interscience, New York.
28 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.
29 Williams, C.D. 1984. The decline of Ash Meadows, a unique desert
ecosystem. Pages 716-719. IN: Proc. California Riparian Systems
Conf.
30 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:(in press).
31 Worts, G.F., Jr. 1963. Effect of ground water development on the
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.
32 Baugh, T.M. and J.E. Deacon. 1983. Maintaining the Devil's Hole
pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis Wales in aquaria. J. Aquariculture
Aqua. Sci. 3(4):73-75.
33 Beatley, J.C. 1978. Ash Meadows: Nevada's unique oasis in the
Mojave Desert. Mentzelia 3:20-24.
34 Dudley, W.W., Jr. and J.D. Larson. 1976. Effect of irrigation
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. and Nat.
Res., Water Res. Reconn. Ser. Rept. 14:1-45.
36 Deacon, J. 1985. Personal knowledge. Environmental Consultants,
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, WARM SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS251006
Date 14 MAR 96
4452 Live Oak Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 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.
02 Miller, R.R. and J.E. Deacon. 1973. New Localities of the rare
arm prings pupfish, Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis from Ash
Meadows, Nevada. Copeia 1973(1):137-140.
03 Sada, D.W. and A. Mozejko. 1984. Environmental Assessment:
Proposed acquisition to establish Ash Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge, Nye County, Nevada. U.S. Dept. Int., Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Portland, OR.
04 Soltz, D.L. 1974. Variation in life history and social
organization of some populations of Nevada pupfish. Cyprinodon
nevadensis. Ph.D. diss., Univ. Calif, Los Angeles.
References - 3