(Juturnia tularosae; Hershler et al. 2002)
Ecological factors such as salinity, parasites and exotic species are of particular concern for the management of White Sands pupfish. Historic translocations have resulted in introducing fish to novel habitats in terms of salinity and parasites. We have evaluated the effects of these actions by evaluating the host-parasite associations for White Sands pupfish (Collyer, 2000; Harstad, 2003; Rogowski 2004; Collyer and Stockwell 2004; Vinje, 2007). Our initial parasite survey led to the discovery of a new springsnail (Juturnia tularaose; Hershler et al. 2002; left panel). Recently, we have evaluated the how salinity limits the distribution of J. tularosae and its associated parasites (Rogowski 2004; Rogowski and Stockwell 2006). We have also evaluated the effects of salinity on pupfish (Stockwell and Mulvey 1998; Miller 2001; Rogowski 2004; Rogowski and Stockwell 2006). This work has collectively shown that salinity and parasitism have important effects on ecological and evolutionary consequences. Recent work has also evaluated the potential impacts of exotic species on experimental pupfish populations (Rogowski 2004; Rogowoski and Stockwell, 2006).