Population Structure and Vulnerability of the Threatened Fish Species Telestes metohiensis from Karstic Streams in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Milica Lukač


Other projects

19 Apr 2017

Species Boundary Identification of Endemic Cyprinid Telestes Metohiensis Using DNA Taxonomy

The primary goal of this project is to determine species distribution, fluctuation of the population size during season, the population structure and vulnerability of striped pijor. The data obtained by the proposed project would provide necessary information for monitoring the impact of various factors on the chosen localities and the species in order to identify appropriate management actions and to measure their effectiveness in our future work.

T. metohiensis - Pribitul.

T. metohiensis - Pribitul.

Many of the species which inhabit Dinaric karst habitats, the world’s prime heritage landscapes, are endemic and endangered. One of them is cyprinoid fish Telestes metohiensis.

Thus, primary goal of the proposed project is to examine distribution of T. metohiensis in existing waterways.

Second our goal is to provide better insight into habitat description, including pH waters, temperature, oxygen (concentration and saturation) and electrical conductivity.

In addition, the project addresses population size and population structure based on morphological variation. Finally, we attend to provide DNA samples for genetic analyses for the future work. Bosnia and Herzegovina is implemented very little or no measures to protect karst habitats. Hence, these sensitive and complex ecosystems with and a unique species remain unprotected and poorly known. Therefore, we aim to determine potential ecosystem threats, and status and information regarding biology and ecology of the species. Finally, the proposed project aims to raise public awareness of the unique karst springs and underground streams ecosystem by emphasizing of the endemic and vulnerable striped pijor. Trough different activities like workshops, lectures, field trips, publishing educational brochures and design website we will work on raising the public awareness regarding the protection and restoration sensitive and unique karst habitats and their endemic species. This information will help to enhance conservation efforts of the species through education and awareness campaigns.

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