Reintroducing the Tequila Splitfin
Blueprint
ASSESS
The Tequila Splitfin was thought likely to be extinct in the wild when it was originally described in 1998 until a very small population of less than 50 adults was found in 2001. A Critically Endangered assessment was published on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species in 2009 and catalogued as endangered by Mexican Law (NOM-059-2010). However, a few short years later that population was also extinct and the splitfin survived only in captivity.
PLAN
A recovery plan of the Teuchitlán ecosystem was prepared by researchers with the Fish Ark project, hosted by the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Mexico. Tequila Splitfin recovery was the plan’s first focus and included four phases following the IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations (2013). The first phase was to establish a large population at the Fish Ark facility from captive sources. The second phase aimed to understand the ecological conditions of the area and determine key factors needed for a successful reintroduction. In the third phase, habitat improvement was conducted before the final reintroduction phase and post-release monitoring.
ACT
During the initial phase of the recovery plan, a large earthen pond was created simulating the most natural conditions possible, with seasonal water and food availability for example. By 2016, the pond had an estimated population of 10,000 individuals. In tandem, the team conducted several studies on the diversity and abundance of food sources and competitors (zooplankton, phytoplankton, invertebrates, fish), as well as parasites that lived in the release area. With this information, it was decided that the upper parts of the river would be the optimum reintroduction site. Next, 2,500 non-native fish were removed from the chosen area with traps to improve the habitat for the splitfin and other native species. Before reintroduction, 160 fish were placed in in situ enclosures and were monitored to demonstrate survivability. The surviving fish were then released with an additional 80, all marked with a unique code. During the last three phases of the project, the team developed a comprehensive environmental education programme for the community, that included the local government, NGOs, and local people. The reintroduction was planned to occur on the Day of the Dead (2 November) as part of a cultural celebration.
Results
After reintroduction, the population grew exponentially for two years then stabilized. Due to these conservation efforts the Red List status was changed to Endangered in 2019. The population was estimated at more than 800 individuals. In cooperation with the local community and government, the team is working to establish a natural reserve for the Teuchitlán River ecosystem. Local capacity building will secure the long-term conservation of the area and its wildlife.
Visual & Audio References
©Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
Collaborations
Major
Partners
Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas Hidalgo-FishArk Project (Mexico)
Chester Zoo (UK)
The Teuchitlan Municipality
El Rincon Spa (Mexico)
The Mexican Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO)
Additional
Contributors
Goodeid Working Group; Sala de Lectura la Ranita Lectora; Club de Títeres Escuincles; Colectivo Zoology; Colegio de Bachilleres de Teuchitlán; Guardianes del Río and Centro Interpretativo Guachimontones
Funders
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA); Poecilia (Scandinavia); The Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund; Haus des Meeres - Aqua Terra Zoo, Poecilia (Scandinavia); Poecilia (Netherlands); The Missouri Aquarium Society; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Lebendgebärende Zahnkarpfen; British Livebearer Association; American Livebearers Association; BioParc de Beauval; European Union of Aquarium Curators; Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden and Ostrava Zoo; Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas Hidalgo-FishArk Project; Chester Zoo; The Mexican Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO)
Additional Resources
Content Updated as of 9/4/2020