Devils Hole Pupfish... The Current Facts as we know them... (4/ 11/2008)

  • Devils Hole pupfish is a highly endemic species and only occurs naturally in one very small isolated system in the Mojave Desert. Narrow endemic species like the Devils Hole pupfish are at greatest risk of extinction since they do not have the flexibility to change locations or adapt to changing environments.
  • Increasing the population numbers and establishing a population outside of Devils Hole is complicated and the situation is compounded by the low numbers, short lifespan of the Devils Hole pupfish, limited genetics, and the difficulty of rearing them in captivity.
  • Managers and scientists are working collaboratively to identify the factors that contribute to successful propagation of pure Devils Hole pupfish and to understand how these factors interrelate to each other.
  • Decisions have been carefully and deliberately made to try and increase the population numbers of Devils Hole pupfish and establish a viable population outside of Devils Hole.
  • Directors and Managers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife participated in a Structured Decision Making Process on August 2006, to make difficult decisions on future actions to reverse the decline of the Devils Hole pupfish.
  • There are currently small managed populations or refugiums of Devils Hole pupfish existing outside of Devils Hole; Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery, Point of Rocks Refugium (as of 2006).
  • A dive survey in November 2006 resulted in 85 adult pupfish within Devils Hole. The number of pupfish in Devils Hole fluctuates during the year with the number in the fall being higher than the number in the spring (38 in April 2006).
  • The increased number in the fall (of 2006) indicates the fish are successfully reproducing and adding to their numbers in their natural environment.
  • Supplemental feeding began in January 2006 in response to poor fish health conditions observed. Fish appearance and health suggests acceptable health at this time.
  • The dive survey at Devils Hole on April 14, 2006 resuled in the identification of 38 adults and 11 larvae. For more on how a dive into Devils Hole is conducted, click here.
  • Looking for just the facts, check out this recent statement created by Death Valley National Park and The Nevada Fish and Wildlafe Agency called "Devils Hole Facts" (.doc) .
  • Death Valley NP was in the very early stages of the planning process and requested the publics input in the areas of site security, site access by visitors and staff, and pupfish management (Fall 2007). The period to comment has closed but you can continue to addressany concerns to: Superintendent; Death Valley National Park, Attn: Devils Hole Site Plan, Death Valley National Park, PO Box 579; Death Valley CA 92328, or via email to DEVA_Superintendent@nps.gov.
  • The dive survey at Devils Hole on April 5, 2008 resuled in the identification of 45 adults and 11 larvae. For more on how a dive into Devils Hole is conducted, click here.
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