Sun Apr 20 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Rare Devils Hole Pupfish Population Recovering After Earthquake-Induced Decline**
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish, one of the world’s rarest fish, is showing signs of recovery after a dramatic population drop caused by two earthquakes earlier this year. A recent survey conducted by a joint team from the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) revealed a significant rebound.
The earthquakes, in December and February, triggered waves in the pupfish’s habitat, a deep limestone cavern in Death Valley National Park. These waves dislodged crucial food sources and spawning habitat, causing the population to plummet from 191 fish in spring 2024 to just 38 this spring.
In response, biologists implemented a plan outlined in the 2022 Devils Hole Pupfish Strategic Plan, taking the unprecedented step of introducing 19 captive-bred pupfish from the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility into the wild population. Supplemental feeding was also initiated to support the fish until their natural food sources recover.
“The historic transfer of captive-raised fish underscores the importance of dedicated staff and state-of-the-art equipment,” said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds.
While pupfish populations naturally fluctuate, biologists are encouraged by the current breeding season, noting healthy spawning behavior, viable eggs, and larval fish. The recovering algal growth and improving habitat conditions further bolster optimism.
“The fish were in good body condition and active,” said NDOW Supervising Fisheries Biologist Brandon Senger. “Seeing fish exhibiting spawning behavior was really encouraging.”
Biologists will conduct the next population count this fall. The long-term success of the recovery effort remains to be seen, but the collaborative response and initial signs of recovery offer hope for the future of this unique species.
First Piper 