SVIBOR - Project code: 1-08-236

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Strossmayerov trg 4, HR - 10000 ZAGREB
tel.: +385 1 459 44 44, fax: +385 1 459 44 69
E-mail: ured@znanost.hr

SVIBOR

SVIBOR - Collecting Data on Projects in Croatia

Project code: 1-08-236


RARE AND ENDEMIC FISH OF THE ADRIATIC RIVER BASIN, CROATIA


Main researcher: MRAKOVČIĆ, MILORAD (92980)


Assistants
Type of research: basic
Duration from: 03/23/91. to 03/23/96.
Papers on project (total): 57
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 2
Institution name: Ribarski centar, Zagreb (1033)
Department/Institute: Biology Department of zoology
Address: Rooseveltov trg 6
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)1 442-604
Phone: 385 (0)1 442-804
Fax: 385 (0)1 4552-645
Summary: The Croatian karst region of the Adriatic basin has 32 endemic fish species. So far, distribution of freshwater fish in this area has not been studied, eventhough this research is very necessary. Numerous waters, referred to as a habitat of certain species in old literature, have disappeared due to different human impacts. The Mediterranean rivers of Croatia are very short with an extraordinary hydropower potential. A number of hydroelectric power plants have been built, which has lead to serious changes in the living conditions of endemic fish species. The scarce knowledge about the biology, community ecology and endangerment of these fish is evident. Some studies of the impacts obligatory by law before dams are built, are often done by unqualified persons and without field studies, referring to 80 year old data (Mrakovcic, 1989). Also if we do not take inventory of these endemic fish species soon we believe that in the near future for some species it will no longer be possible. 11 endemic fish of Croatia are unique to European fauna. Endemic fish species are particularly vulnerable to environmental threats. These fishes are mainly confined to the former glacial refugees and are highly adapted to their environment. They tend to have little genetic variability, are particularly sensitive to outside pressure and are less able to adapt to environmental changes. Many basic biological facts about these fish are unknown, not to mention their community ecology parameters, which are from a relatively new science. The aim of this project is to take an inventory of the rare and endangered fish species of Croatia, as well as to find out the general structure of the biocenosis in which certain endemic species live. Data on the populations of endemic species will enable us to obtain the principal parameters of the idiobiology of each endemic species, which now do not exist. All the data obtained are very significant for the evaluation of the trend of species in a longer period, enabling us to create some conclusions on the status, dynamics and endangerment of the investigated species.

Keywords: fisheries biology, fish, conservation, endangered fish, biodiversity, endemic fish

Research goals: The aim of this project is to take an inventory of the rare and endangered fish species of Croatia, as well as to find out the general structure of the biocenosis in which certain endemic species live. The results should give: 1. Zoogeographical distribution and the number of remaining endemic species of fish in the Adriatic Rivers of Croatia. 2. Contribution to the idiobiology of researched species. a. photographs of each species b. distribution, historic and current c. habitat and biology of each species d. reasons for decline 3. Principal structure of the food chain in the ichthyocenosis of the researched species. 4. Fish community ecology of researched species. 5. Data base with species and site recording cards with a possibility for cross referencing, multiple word search and keyword search facilities, which would be a basis for a modern book on these fish. 6. According to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), the degree of endangerment of researched endangered species. On the basis of these investigations conservation measures for the endemic species will be proposed. Some attempt will also be made to forecast the populations future trends.

COOPERATION - PROJECTS


  1. Name of project: U pripremi " Freshwater endemic fish in the Croatian Adriatic watershead
    Name of institution: Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat
    City: 13200 - Le Sambuc,Arles, France

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Station biologique de la Tour du Valat
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    City: 13200 - Le Sambuc,Arles, France

  2. Name of institution: Državna uprava za zaštitu prirodnih i kulturnih spomenika
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  3. Name of institution: Hrvatska vodoprivreda - Zagreb
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  4. Name of institution: Hrvatska vodoprivreda - Split
    City: 21000 - Split, Croatia
Other information about the project.
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Last update: 10/17/95
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