Thursday May 2, 2024
USA Today —
There was not much hope for tiny, endangered Devils Hole pupfish as the species’ population dwindled to just a few dozen since the late 1990s. But recent population spikes are giving scientists a reason to celebrate.
Nearly 200 Devils Hole pupfish were spotted during the spring count, National Park Service biologists said, which are the most seen in Death Valley National Park in 25 years.
“It’s exciting to see an increasing trend, especially in this highly variable population. Increasing numbers allow the managing agencies to consider research that may not have been possible in the past, when even slight perturbations of habitat or fish had to be completely avoided,” Senior Fish Biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Michael Schwemm, said the press release. “We’re excited about the future directions with respect managing this species.”