Amargosa River Pupfish
Death Valley, CA

The distribution of Amargosa River Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae) in the Amargosa River drainage in Death Valley National Park, California, was largely unknown. The Amargosa River is an intermittent stream, characterized by long, dry reaches interspersed with numerous, isolated pools. Considering recent and potentially drastic future changes to our climate, baseline habitat data for this unique fish are necessary to make sound management decisions. Using aerial images from both Bing and Google Earth, likely aquatic habitat locations (wetted) were defined and mapped in ArcGIS. In March and April 2016, two separate, three-week sampling trips were conducted to verify wetted habitats and assess pupfish distribution. In total, 508 sites were surveyed in the Amargosa River drainage, and 245 minnow traps sets were completed, resulting in the capture of 3,738 Amargosa River Pupfish and one Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis).

Based on spring sampling results and additional criteria, including water depth and distance from the nearest road, 58 sites were chosen as candidate monitoring sites. These sites were revisited in October 2016. A total of 61 traps were set, resulting in the capture of 3,424 Amargosa River Pupfish. In addition to collecting fish, water quality, and habitat parameter measurements were made at each site. Capture data were used to map the Amargosa River Pupfish distribution in Death Valley National Park, California. Long-term monitoring sites were also recommended based on aerial photography, parameter measurements, spring and autumn capture data, and aerial and on-the-ground images of all wetted habitats.