Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) in Central and South Eastern Europe: A review for the development of an international program for the rehabilitation and conservation of Danube salmon populations

Abstract

Danube salmon Hucho hucho (L.), known as one of the world’s largest salmonids, is among the most endangered fish species inhabiting the Danube basin of Central Europe. It is classified as endangered (EN) by the IUCN due to its very low abundance and continual decline. Historically, the natural distribution range of the Danube salmon included drainages in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, north-western Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and western Ukraine. Currently, Danube salmon populations are fragmented within the Danube drainage, with many being supported by artificial reproduction and stocking programs. It is not yet possible to report that this species is safe from extinction in the wild. As a starting point to develop a sustainable conservation program, this manuscript provides a review of the current biological knowledge on Danube salmon existing in the different countries within the species distribution range in Central and South Eastern Europe.