Current status of the riverine fishes of the French Mediterranean basin

Abstract

We have undertaken a study of current knowledge on the distribution and abundance of 10 freshwater fish species with a restricted geographical range, recorded since 1950 from French rivers flowing into the Mediterranean, including those in Corsica. In order of decreasing abundance these are: Leuciscus (Telestes) souffia, Chondrostoma toxostoma, Barbus meridionalis, Zingel asper, Blennius fluviatilis, Aphanius fasciatus, Alosa fallax rhodanensis, Aphanius iberus, Valencia hispanica and Cottus petiti. Distribution maps for the first seven taxa have been produced on the basis of 3124 fisheries surveys included within Fisheries Orientation Schemes carried out in French départements. These taxa are distributed in three different zoogeographical regions: a northern mainland region, a southern mainland region and the island of Corsica. The distribution of these taxa in the major rivers is shown on maps by means of lines of varying thickness and for the minor river courses by shading. The detailed habitat preferences of the first three species have been determined, showing a succession of Barbus meridionalis, Leuciscus (Telestes) souffia and Chondrostoma toxostoma going downstream within the southern mainland region. Following a discussion of the requirements of each of these species and of the threats that they face within the study area, their status is defined according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature definitions.