DFC Membership: As many of you know, I recently accepted a position as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Recovery Coordinator for the Devils Hole pupfish. This is of course the species that was the impetus for forming the Desert Fishes Council and the only population of this endemic fish is at historic low numbers. Several theories have been put forth as to why the population has crashed and we are considering them all as we implement efforts to reverse the decline and increase the population.
As part of this effort we are looking for information from historical collectors. In particular we are trying to locate photographs of Devils Hole from previous decades so that we may consider physical changes through time. I’ve already contacted the Museum of Zoology at the University of Michigan in an attempt to locate any photographs taken by Robert Rush Miller. Jim Deacon is also aware of this search. However, I’m also looking for any other photographs or lead for photographs of Devils Hole any of you may have from the 1920s through the 1960s. Additionally, I understand Dick Miller may be living in Tucson and have some photographs. If anyone can give me contact information for him, I will appreciate it. Thanks you for your time and I’ll see you in Ventura. Paul J. Barrett Paul J. Barrett Ph.D USFWS Devils Hole Pupfish Recovery Coordinator 702.515.5225 (Las Vegas) 520.670.6150 ext. 228 (Tucson) 520.670.6154 fax (Tucson) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
