Devil's Hole Pupfish: Small But Mighty

Devil's Hole Pupfish: Small But Mighty

Janell Leung

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Description and Ecology of Organism

Known as the rarest fish in the world, the Devil’s Hole pupfish —or Cyprinodon diabolis — only naturally occurs in Death Valley National Park. Not only that, but the fish is endemic to a single spring — the Devil’s Hole  — giving it the smallest known distribution and geographical range of any wild vertebrae. The Devil’s Hole is a water-filled cavern cut into the side of a hill with an unknown depth ("Swimming"). Located near the border between California and Nevada, the average water temperature ranges from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, Devil’s Hole contains near lethal levels of dissolved oxygen ("Devils Hole Pupfish"). However, despite the harsh environment, the Devil’s Hole pupfish’s ability to adapt to harsh environments has allowed it to survive.

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2008/08/23/us/23pupfish.map.gif

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/science-sushi/files/2014/09/pupfish-diver275.jpg

Geographic and Population Changes

Being the only naturally occurring population of Devil’s Hole pupfish, the species does not appear anywhere else in the wild. And, while there have been attempts to establish refuge populations, most have been unsuccessful. Therefore, the current population holds great importance. Being an annual species, this population fluctuates throughout the year based on the availability of algae — their food source. This can range from approximately 120 fish in the winter to approximately 550 fish in the summer ("Devils Hole"). As a result, this species is particularly at risk for extinction. Not only does it fail to thrive in man-made habitats, but also it only occurs in one place. Any changes to the habitat have an effect on the whole species.

Listing Date and Type of Listing

In 1967, the Devil’s Hole pupfish was officially listed as an endangered species. 

Main Threats to Its Continued Existence

The greatest threat facing the Devil’s Hole pupfish is ground water removal. One of the fundamental elements this species needs to thrive is a spawning and feeding shelf. As indicated in the image, this shallow rock shelf needs to be located near the surface, but still remain submerged.

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However, if the water levels decrease, this spawning and feeding shelf is threatened to become exposed. This almost became a reality when a farming corporation bought land nearby. Their intent was to drill and pump groundwater, but the dramatic decrease in water during their first year of operation grabbed the attention of environmentalists. After some failed attempts to alter the habitat to allow for decreasing water levels, the issue was brought to court. Through Cappaert vs. U.S., a limit was placed on the amount of water people could pump, ensuring sufficient water levels ("Devils Hole"). However, there are also seemingly minor events that have had a large impact on the population. A recent example is an incident where three intoxicated men broke into, littered, and swam in the Devil’s Hole, resulting in the death of pupfish (Brean). This is one of many occasional habitat disturbances by humans.

https://www.kcet.org/sites/kl/files/atoms/article_atoms/www.kcet.org/arts/artbound/images/Devils_Hole_Death_Valley2.jpg

Description of Recovery Plan

In 1990, the Recovery Plan for Endangered and Threatened Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada was established. The objective is to restore the six endangered and six threatened species, including the Devil’s Hole pupfish. While the Devil’s Hole pupfish will not be able to be de-listed, the goal is to reduce the listing to “threatened”. In order to do so, the plan is set to identify the habitats where ground water removal is critical and reestablish the communities that make up these habitats. This recovery plan also resulted in the creation of the Pupfish Task Force. Even though their name isn’t the most intimidating, the committee consists of people who are knowledgable on techniques and ways to prevent the extinction of pupfish. In addition, the initiation of a 5-year review was established in 2009, in which the Devil’s Hole pupfish’s current status was “endangered”. However, an updated review of their progress has yet to be released.

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What Can You Do

With an unexplainable ability to adapt to harsh environments, there is still so much to learn from the Devil’s Hole pupfish; the species’ adaptations could provide insight in other fields, such as medicine, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity ("Swimming"). With this in mind, it would be extremely beneficial to keep the little guys around. One of the easiest ways to do so is to make a donation! Below is a link with easy instructions on how to donate, whether you are donating your time or some money.

https://www.nps.gov/deva/getinvolved/supportyourpark/make-a-donation.htm

Other Resources

Brean, Henry. "Researchers Hopeful Devils Hole Pupfish Will Survive Beer-fueled Invasion." Las Vegas Review-Journal. N.p., 03 June 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016. <http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/water-environment/researchers-hopeful-devils-hole-pupfish-will-survive-beer-fueled-invasion>.

"Devils Hole." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. <https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/nature/devils-hole.htm>.

"Devils Hole Pupfish." Nevada Fish & Wildlife Office. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nov. 2013. Web. 27 Nov. 2016. <https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/fish/species/dhp/dhp.html>.

"Swimming with the Fishes: Conserving the Devils Hole Pupfish." The Great Basin Institute. N.p., 27 July 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2016. <https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/swimming-with-the-fishes-conserving-the-devils-hole-pupfish/>.

Fin Whales

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Fin Whales

Fin Whales Need Your Help!

Written by Samantha Marcon

When people think of whales, they think of big, friendly giants. Native Americans on the Pacific Coast used to worship them and even Europeans had admiration for them.1 People, however, are a threat to fin whales. Fin whales, or Balaenoptera physalus, are on their way to extinction if we do not help them.

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered

_species/cetaceans/about/fin_whale/

Description of Fin Whales
Fin whales are social animals which means that they travel with other whales of the same species. They also feed with other species of whales. The whales have a very distinguishing coloring: black on their backs and white on their tails. These whales can live up to 90 years and can grow 75 to 85 feet, almost doubling the size of a school bus. The whales usually eat krill and small fish during the summer and do not eat while they are migrating during the winter. They are usually found in deep waters all-year-round. Fin whales are not found in tropical waters, but reside in colder waters. 2 

Sexual Maturity of Fin Whales

Fin whales become sexually mature between 6 and 12 years of age. Fin whales are k-selected species; they do not reach sexually maturity until they are 25 years of age and they only give birth to one calf at a time. The females carry their calves around for 11 to 12 months before giving birth. It is not an easy task for fin whales to have calves. 2

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article

/2012/01/09/australia-doing-enough-

tackle-japanese-whaling-southern-ocean

Fin Whale Populations
Fin whales are mainly threatened by climate change and habitat loss. They were hunted by commercial whalers for their oil and meat until commercial hunting became illegal in the last century and were listed as endangered. However, fin whales are still affected from when hunting them was legal. Fin whales are now an endangered species wherever they are found. Even though many countries have put a ban on commercially hunting whales, Iceland continues to hunt fin whales furthering their endangerment. Since whaling became illegal in the beginning of the century, whale populations have been continuing to increase but are still being hurt by climate changes. 3 The North Atlantic Ocean is experiencing an increase of fin whales, but the Pacific and Southern Oceans' populations are not rising. 3 Fin whales were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Conservation Act in 1970. Fin whales are still not close to getting off of the ESA list. 4 

Recovery Plan
The recovery plan consists of several different ways in which fin whales can bounce back and recover. The main parts of the plan are to continue to stop whaling, reduce human-caused damage, learn about population dynamics, and find trends in sizes of populations. The ultimate goal is to get fin whales off of the list of the ESA. The seven main points from the recovery plan are: population structure, distribution and habitat use, feeding and prey selection, competition, reproduction, natural mortality, and abundance and trends. Population structure: there are 5 populations of fin whales consisting of populations in the Sea of Cortez, East China Sea Group, an eastern group, a western group, and a group that moves up and down the west coast of North America. Distribution and habitat use: fin whales prefer to reside on the west coast of North America during the summers and in the north of the Bering Sea. During May, the whales feed off of the Hawaii islands and during the winters, the whales tend to stay at higher latitudes. Feeding and prey selection: fin whales will tend to eat smaller schools of fish, as well as, euphausiids and large copepods. Competition: Fin whales' main competition is the baleen whale, but there really is not much of a competition between the two whales. Reproduction: fin whales do not reach sexually maturity until the age of 25 but are sexually active at a much younger age (6 to 12). Natural mortality: killer whales attack fin whales and sharks feed on young fin whales. Abundance and trends: the population of fin whales declined by 36-38% by 1975, but has started to increase and large amounts of whales have been seen off of the Alaskan coast. 5

How to Save Fin Whales
People can help save fin whales by not hunting them commercially and letting their populations grow. Another thing that could be done to save fin whales is to be careful with what one is throwing away because it could end up in the ocean which leads to whale habitat loss. People should be cautious with how they treat their surroundings and the environment to help protect fin whales. People can also visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/fin-whale to help fin whales by symbolically adopting a whale and donating to WWF to help protect them and their habitats.

Works Cited

4. Dfg.webmaster@alaska.gov. "Fin Whale: Federally Endangered Listing Information, Alaska Department of Fish and Game." Fin Whale: Federally Endangered Listing Information,. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfmadfg=specialstatus.fedsummary&species=finwhale>.

2. NOAA. "Fin Whale (Balaenoptera Physalus)." Fin Whale (Balaenoptera Physalus) - Office of Protected Resources - NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries, 4 Sept. 2004. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/finwhale.htm>.
1. Pure Spirit. "Prior Lake, MN - Dog Training Classes." Whale Symbolism. Pure Spirit Animal Communication and Training Solutions, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. <http://www.pure-spirit.com/more-animal-symbolism/509-whale-symbolism>.
5. Resources, Office Of Protected, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, and Maryland Silver Spring. "Recovery Plan for the Fin Whale." DRAFT (2006): 1-78. NMFS. Web. 26 Nov. 2016. <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/recovery/draft_finwhale.pdf>.
3. WWF. "Fin Whale." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/fin-whale>.

Piping Plovers Need Your Help

Piping Plovers Need Your Help

We are the main reason their population is in trouble.

By Ashley Mayou

      What is a Piping Plover? [3][4]

The Piping Plover is a sand-colored shorebird. They only weigh 2 ounces and they are 7 inches long. From March to April the males begin courting the females. The males are the ones who dig small holes (called scrapes) in the sand and then the females choose which one to lay their eggs in. 

They lay up to four eggs but fewer than two are able to survive long enough to have their wing feathers develop enough so that they can fly. The chicks will follow their parents around to learn how to find food such as marine worms, invertebrates, crustaceans, mollusks, and beetles. Food for the Piping Plovers can be found in ocean, ephemeral pools, bayside intertidal zone (the sand that is exposed only during low tide), the wrack line (the part of the beach where organic material accumulates), and sparse vegetation.

   Geographic and Population Changes [2] 

During the 19^th century Piping plovers were especially common alongside the Atlantic coast. Then commercial hunting wiped them out when their feathers were sought after to decorate hats. Then the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was introduced in 1918 and their numbers recovered significantly. 

In the 1940s they hit a 20^th century peak only to be brought down again by increased development and beach recreation. In 1986 there were only 790 breading pairs surviving on the Atlantic coast. Because of this in 1986 the Endangered Species Act protected them. Even though the population has more than doubled there are still less than 2,000 breeding pairs alive today.

Yellow - Great Lakes Population, Red - Northeast Population

   Listing Date and Type of Listing [5] 

The Piping Plover was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1986. Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region is endangered and the Northeast Region is threatened. The Great Lakes-Biig Rivers Region is located in the Great Lakes, Canada (Ont.), and in the watershed in the States of IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, and WI. The Northeast Region is the rest of the area that the Piping Plover has been found in.

          Threats [2][3]

The main reason that the Piping Plover is in trouble today is because of habitat loss due to natural disasters, development and other human made disturbances. These disturbances consist of people, pets, kites and fireworks. When any of these get too close to a nest the parents who are incubating the eggs could get scared off and leave the nest. When the parents leave the nest then the chicks temperatures are not controlled and they can overheat or cool down. This damages the chicks development. 

Another Way that humans are interfering in the development of the chicks is by leaving behind dents in the sand from vehicle movement that are big enough for the young chicks to get stuck in. Chicks can also be swept up and killed by beach raking machines. Even if they are not killed, the machines could be raking away a crucial food source for not only the chicks but also the adults. The main way we can help the Piping Plover is by making sure to stay clear of their nests. That means you, your dog, kite, fireworks and car.

         Recovery Plan [6] 

There is a 9-step recovery plan in place for the Piping Plover as of March 16^th, 2016.

Step 1 is to reduce threats from habitat loss and degradation.

Step 2 is to reduce the human caused threats.

Step 3 is to monitor the piping plover status and the management efforts that are in place and ongoing.

Step 4 is to act upon threats from contaminants.

Step 5 is to evaluate and act upon threats from predation.

Step 6 is to improve the use of regulatory tools that previously exist.

Step 7 is to provide long-term protection for them and their habitat.

Step 8 is to do research to inform the conservation efforts.

Step 9 is to evaluate the recovery efforts.

    What can you do?

You can help by keeping human disturbances such as kites, fireworks, and cars off of beaches where the Piping Plovers are living. 

Another way you can help is by keeping your dogs on leashes when they are on the beach.

Spread the word and let others know how they can also help!

Other resources

For more information visit https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/ and http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=6039

[1] "Google Maps." Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <https://www.google.com/maps/@38.1819994,-103.2398789,3059641m/data=!3m1!1e3>

[2] "Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service." Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/>

[3] "Recovery Strategies for Piping Plovers in Managed Coastal Landscapes." Biological Conservation 60.3 (1992): 222. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/Plover_management.pdf>

[4] Service, U.s. Fish & Wildlife. Cats and Dogs and Birds on the Beach (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/pdf/catseat.pdf>

[5] Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. "Species Profile for Piping Plover (Charadrius Melodus)." Species Profile for Piping Plover (Charadrius Melodus). N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=6039>

[6] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Volume II: Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Wintering Range of the Northern Great Plains Piping Plover and Comprehensive Conservation Strategy for the Piping Plover in Its Coastal Migration and Wintering Range in the Continental United States." N.p., July 2015. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/Vol%20II%20NGP%20Draft%20Revised%20Winter%20Rec%20Plan%206_05_15_2.pdf>

[7] 55_29040_234559_michaelmilicia_pipingploverandch. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov.2016.<http://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_inline/public/55_29040_234559_michaelmilicia_pipingploverandch.jpg?itok=bnJV1NIH>

[8] 94574b44b847698996248fac20decc1b. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. <https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/94/57/4b/94574b44b847698996248fac20decc1b.jpg>

Saving the Whooping Crane

Saving the Whooping Crane by: Luis Martin

Whooping Crane [1]

Figure 1.1

The Whooping Crane is a North American bird that has fought for its existence for over half a century. At about 5 feet in height and an approximate weight of 15 pounds, the Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America. The bird’s beauty lies is in its long slender legs and its white plumage. The color of the feathers ranges from white to brown depending on the age of the bird.

Figure 1.2 [4]

The Whooping Crane has an appetite for eating many things. At the top of the list are frogs, crabs, crayfish and other aquatic life as is evident in Figure 1.2. The Whooping Crane’s most essential and favorite prey are the blue crabs which not only serve as a good source of protein, but also are important for the crane to have a successful nesting season. According to a study published by Journey North, the Whooping Crane population has seen itself affected due to the scarcity of the blue crab. Moreover, although this has shown to be an effect to the population of the bird, it is by far minimal to other factors that have triggered this species to become endangered

Geographic and Population Changes [1] [5] [6]

Due to a low susceptibility to predators, the whooping crane only lays about two eggs at time. These two eggs have a high rate of survival and are laid in pairs in order to ensure that at least one egg survives in a worst case scenario. These birds begin laying eggs as early as 3 years old during the spring time. From the moment they are hatched, it usually takes about a month for the eggs to hatch. Furthermore, within 80 to 100 days, the bird learns to fly and begin to migrate on a yearly basis.

Whooping Cranes use a number of different types of habitats during migration. Many families used heavily vegetated wetlands while non-families used croplands. Cranes usually used shallow, seasonally flooded wetlands for roosting and various cropland and emergent wetlands for feeding. Whooping cranes also use river habitats to feed during migration.

Figure 2.1 [6]

The Whooping Crane is not one that can be identified by its traveling pattern’s. It may, in pairs, families, flocks or even alone. The North American bird’s population is concentrated throughout the Midwest. This include states such as Iowa Minnesota Illinois, and North Dakota as is evident through Figure 2.1. When Autumn arrives, the Whooping Crane migrates south to its wintering grounds. Due to its sporadic migration methods, it is difficult to identify exact locations where the birds will actually migrate to. They make frequent stops at various locations to feed and rest and have no particular destination to head to. However, it can be inferred that the bird stays within the Midwest area of the United states and will migrate to a location with ample feeding grounds.

Listing Date and Type of Listing [4]

Figure 3.1 [4]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Whooping Crane as an endangered species on 03/11/1967.

Main threats [7]

Ironically, Predators of the Whooping Crane are not too widespread or of concern. The Whooping Crane only becomes prey to other animals such as black bears, wolves and red foxes etc. when it is weakened by disease or injury. Moreover, it is human action that has posed the greatest impact on the growth of this species

Figure 4.1 [1]

The growth of human population and the need for expansion in North America has had a significant effect on the Whooping Cranes habitat. Habitat alteration and destruction caused by humans has had a negative effect on the Cranes. The crane’s winter grounds are affected mostly by human construction.

         

         In addition, humans have redirected freshwater inflows for agriculture and human use. Whooping cranes use this freshwater near coastal waters for drinking and food production.Whooping cranes primarily eat blue crab while migration. The lack of freshwater significantly increases the salinity of the water thus decreasing the quantity of blue crabs. This limits the food and water availability necessary to survive and migrate.

Figure 4.2

Furthermore, the primary reason for the Whooping Crane’s decline is due to hunting as is seen in Figure 4.2. The majority of cranes are shot down by humans during migration. The killing of whooping cranes drastically decreased following the enactment that criminalized whooping crane hunting. Despite the legislation protecting Whooping Cranes, there is still illegal poaching of this endangered animal.

Recovery Plan [4]

        The Recovery Plan for the Whooping Crane was Revised and Approved 05/29/2007. In essence, the plan for whooping cranes includes maintaining a minimum number of reproducing pairs while caring for the crane’s habitat. The primary objective is to maintain 40 productive pairs for 10 consecutive years. The long-term goal is to have 1000 whooping cranes by the year 2035.

The priorities are as follows:

1.      Increase the Whooping Crane population

2.      Develop and maintain captive populations

3.      Establish two additional wild populations

4.      Determine and maintain genetic variability

5.      Expand education programs

Another objective is to keep a captive population to prevent the population from going entirely extinct. The goal is to have 45 productive breeding pairs under supervision in North America. Furthermore, the plan aims to establish self-sustaining wildlife populations and continue searching for effective techniques to reintroduce species. Scientists will also continue to monitor genetics and prevent genetic bottlenecks.

In order to prevent hunters from and other individuals from hurting these animals, it is necessary to not only sanction those who break the law, but also educate them and guide them towards developing a greater understanding. Educating the general public will enable them to distinguish Whooping Cranes from other similar animals such as the sand hill crane

Habitat destruction is one of the leading factors in the decline of crane populations. The plan intends on examining the food and water requirements of the nesting, migration and winter grounds. Through maintenance and monitoring, it will be possible to ensure long term protection of the populations habitat.

This Recovery Plan has proven to be effective as the Whooping Crane population has increased. Due to the fact that this effort consists of a slow process, the main priority of the plan is to prevent extinction and avoid a situation where there is a large decline in the population. The next priority is preventing further habitat degradation and ensure that the population has habitat to live on. In being successful, the outcome of the plan would yield a full recovery of the species

What can you do?

            There are many different approaches that can be taken to aid the Whooping Crane. For those individuals that are local to the Whooping Crane, putting into action the priorities of the recovery plan would be the most effective way of aiding. Moreover, for those individuals that are outside of the boundaries of the Whooping Crane’s habitat, there are other methods to help!

Below are just a few suggestions:

1.      Report Any Whooping Cranes You See to wild life research centers

2.      Speak out by send out letters to congressional representatives regarding your

concerns

3.      Share the news and inform others around you

4.      Find out ways to get hands on involvement

Other Resources

For more info log onto:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/crane/index.html

http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/wildlife-library/birds/whooping-crane.aspx

            
  Figure 5.1 [2]        

      Figure 5.2 [7]

Works Cited

1. Chakravarty, Rohan. "Green Humour." November 2012. N.p., 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

2.  @nwf. "National Wildlife Federation." Home - National Wildlife Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

3. @nwf. "Whooping Crane - National Wildlife Federation." National Wildlife Federation. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

4. Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. "Recovery Plans Search." Endangered Species | Species | Recovery Plans Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

5. Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. "Species Profile for Whooping Crane (Grus Americana)." Species Profile for Whooping Crane (Grus Americana). N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

6. "Whooping Crane." , Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

7.  "Whooping Cranes." Whooping Cranes. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.