Cura Mundus

Lily McMenemy, Assistant Opinion Editor

Welcome to Cura Mundus, the regular conservation column where I discuss various species and ways that we can “care for the world.” This week’s species is Cyprinodon bovinus, or the Leon Springs pupfish. 

This critically endangered species is native only to one very small spring system in western Texas, and has been studied by Canisius Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation professor Dr. Jennifer Snekser for over 20 years.

Many different species of pupfish can be found in unique environments — some in desert springs, rivers or saline waters. The Leon Springs pupfish are particularly fascinating because of their conservation history and reproductive strategies. These pupfish breed in shallow water, so in years when the springs had lower water levels, their reproduction has prospered. There are three strategies for reproducing males. Dominant males defend territories and females. Less competitive males hover around several territories, seeking to intercept females in a “satellite” strategy. Finally, “sneaker” males mimic female coloration and swim into spawning events to release sperm. These varied strategies lead to success for each kind of male. 

The Leon Springs pupfish have been through a long, toilsome history of habitat loss. Their waters have dried up, been destroyed, been remade and pumped full of chemicals several different times throughout the last decade. The species was actually believed to be extinct for more than 50 years, but was rediscovered in 1965. Though the Leon Springs pupfish is currently populating springs in west Texas, they remain extremely at risk. Waterways drying and natural resource harvesting are current threats to this endangered species. To learn more about this species' fascinating past, present and future, reach out to the wonderful Dr. Jennifer Snekser! snekser1@canisius.edu