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Saving Mexico’s Goodeids: Plan G update Feb 25
The Laguna de Sayula in Jalisco, Mexico, was once home to five species of Goodeid fish. However, excessive water extraction for agriculture and declining rainfall due to climate change have drastically reduced water levels, wiping out most of these species from their natural habitats. By 2019, only one species, Goodea atripinnis, remained in the area.
As part of Plan G – the international collaboration to save the 40 species of threatened Goodeids – experts have launched an ambitious project to restore Goodeid populations to the Laguna de Sayula basin, with support from the Junta Intermunicipal de Medio Ambiente Lagunas (JIMAL) and the Wilhelma Botanical and Zoological Garden.
In January 2024, a team from Plan G, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, and JIMAL conducted a week-long research expedition across 80 sites in the basin. Their goal was to find any surviving populations, identify potential reintroduction habitats, and establish a breeding programme.
A major milestone was achieved with the successful transfer of approximately 250 Skiffia francesae from the Fish Ark in Morelia to a specially designed geocistern in Amacueca. This facility, established in partnership with JIMAL and local authorities, will serve as a breeding centre to prepare fish for future reintroductions.
Searching for Survivors
Despite the widespread drying of rivers and streams, the expedition uncovered some hopeful signs. In the Arroyo Citalá near the village of Citalá, researchers found small numbers of Xenotoca melanosoma, one of the missing Goodeid species. Even more encouraging was the discovery of a strong population of Zoogoneticus purhepechus in a river near Teocuitatlán de Corona, an area where it was thought to have disappeared. These findings provide a critical foundation for conservation efforts, as both species were relocated to JIMAL’s breeding facilities for protection and population recovery.
Additionally, the discovery of Ilyodon whitei—a species previously unrecorded in the region—raises questions about historical water connections between basins. Further studies will determine whether this population is native or introduced, influencing future conservation strategies.
Next Steps: Expansion and Community Engagement
With these promising results, Plan G is now focused on expanding conservation efforts. Additional geocisterns will be installed to house Xenotoca melanosoma, Zoogoneticus purhepechus, and Ameca splendens—a species believed to be extinct in the wild in the Sayula basin. Efforts are underway to locate any remaining Ameca splendens in private ponds, reservoirs, or local collections. A public awareness campaign, including search posters, aims to engage local communities in the hunt for this lost species.
In Amacueca, scientists will begin experiments to assess the impact of invasive Guppies on native fish populations. Meanwhile, discussions with local authorities in Teocuitatlán de Corona will explore ways to improve water quality and habitat conditions for the remaining Goodeid populations.
A Hopeful Future
The Laguna de Sayula restoration project is well underway, with three key missions already making significant progress:
- Returned Skiffia francesae to valley where it was extirpated – Successfully completed
- Identifying future habitats – Successfully completed
- Locating lost Goodeid species – Two-thirds completed
With continued research, habitat restoration, and local engagement, Plan G aims to restore these unique and endangered fish to their rightful place in Mexico’s waterways. The road ahead is long, but the mission is on track, and hope remains strong for the future of Mexico’s Goodeid fishes.
As Mike Köck, Plan G’s Chair, says, “Mexico is showing the change it is capable of and deserves our support and trust. We can do this!”
If you are interested in contributing to this urgent programme to save Mexico’s highly threatened Goodeid species, get in touch today.
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