California Earthquake Disrupts Habitat of Critically Endangered Pupfish

A 7.0 magnitude quake triggered waves in Devils Hole, the sole natural habitat of the rare Devils Hole pupfish, impacting their food and spawning environment.

• The earthquake struck off the Northern California coast on December 5, sending tremors over 500 miles to Devils Hole in Death Valley National Park, Nevada.
• Waves, known as seiches, reached nearly two feet high in the geothermal pool, sweeping away food sources and pupfish eggs from their shallow spawning shelf.
• Short-term impacts include reduced access to food and potential loss of eggs, but scientists note such events can benefit the habitat by removing decaying organic matter.
• The Devils Hole pupfish, one of the world's most endangered species, relies entirely on this isolated pool, with a population of 212 recorded in September 2024.
• Biologists are monitoring the situation closely and may increase supplemental feeding to support the pupfish, which already face threats from climate change and groundwater pumping.

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