PUPFISH REFUGIA CREATING HEALTHY HABITAT FOR ALL

By Saff Killingsworth

Female desert pupfish by Sharon Keeney

The Desert Southwest is a harsh environment. It’s hot. It’s cold. It’s dry. It’s wet. In order to make a living here, you’ve got to be tough. One such superlative critter is the desert pupfish. This federally endangered species is one of the most resilient fish in the area—they can tolerate water temperatures up to 110°F, water temperature swings up to 45°F, salinity twice that of the ocean, and very low oxygen levels. These little fish were once present in tributaries of the Gila and Colorado rivers, but due to historic water mismanagement, drought, habitat fragmentation, and competition with non-native fish, they are now restricted to only several sites within their historic range across the southwest. One thing they cannot survive is a total absence of water in their river homes.

One conservation strategy that has been employed across the region is creation of pupfish population refugia. These are protected ponds, often human-made, where pupfish populations are installed and can be monitored by scientists. These pupfish housed in the refugia can also be used as a backup option in case an existing wild population crashes, and allow for larger genetic pools than the actual suitable habitat can support. This helps address genetic bottlenecks, a common problem for rare species.

Lining and connecting the stream to the main pond.

The Tucson Audubon Restoration Program recently completed the installation of a pupfish refugium in the Corral Creek Canyon area of the Patagonia Mountains. This pupfish pond was part of a five year agreement with Partners for Fish and Wildlife which also included components for other species including enhancing pollinator habitat, planting Arizona walnuts to support Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos along Corral Creek, and improving the function of the wash itself. The new pupfish pond is 20 by 30 feet with a 30 foot recirculating stream that provides enhanced breeding areas for the fish. We planted native plants along the stream, including Arizona eryngo, a rare wetland plant in the carrot family. Floating vegetation islands of native plants were also installed to improve water quality and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. The free floating roots hanging down into the water provide excellent spots for the pupfish to hide from predators. The site is now ready to house a pupfish population, which will be managed and monitored by Arizona Game & Fish.

The completed floating islands and the completed flowing stream.

What do desert pupfish have to do with birds? We know that the stability and health of one species contributes to the stability and health of all species. And what is good for pupfish—clean water, connected habitat, and free-flowing water courses—is also great for birds.

What can we all do to support desert pupfish? Although creating pupfish refugia is very important, there are other ways to help protect this species: Your financial support helps make projects like these happen, and your continued support will protect other precarious species and habitats. Using less thirsty native plants in your yard, and reducing your overall water consumption leaves more water for the desert pupfish in their natural habitat.

Saff Killingsworth is the Restoration Project Manager at Tucson Audubon.