The Living Desert Zoo Creates New Refuge Habitat for Desert Pupfish

Aspen Environmental Group recently supported The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert with the environmental review for a new pond to  provide refuge habitat for desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularis). The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens have been providing refuge for desert pupfish since 1972, and this additional refuge pond increases the number of ponds at the facility to three. More information about desert pupfish and the recovery efforts can be found here.

The desert pupfish is protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act as an endangered species. Lead California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Sharon Keeney has been assisting with the design of these refuge ponds and has also been responsible for the relocation and management of desert pupfish. The desert pupfish needs refuge ponds because it faces many threats in its natural habitat, including dense salt cedar in most tributaries, reduced water quality in the Salton Sea, and reduced water quantity in tributaries and some refuges.

Aspen Environmental Group biologist Justin Wood stands next to a recently completed refuge pond that now provides habitat for several thousand desert pupfish.

The original refuge pond constructed in 1972 was recently repaired and dense cattails were removed to provide additional habitat and ensure conservation of the desert pupfish.