Abstract
ABSTRACTTo investigate distribution, habitat characteristics, and current conservation status of the endangered endemic species, rapid small gudgeon Microphysogobio rapidus (Cyprinidae), we surveyed a total of 79 sites from the historic records (20 sites) plus additional sites (59 sites) with good habitat conditions, analyzed their sites, and compared them with historic recorded sites to reveal the factors of extinction threats and causes. We found only eight out of 79 sites in the Nam River areas. The habitats were greatly reduced and restricted compared with the historic sites, which mainly cause from habitat modification, such as various types of river renovations at the main stream and tributary streams of the Nakdong River. The present habitats are higher water temperature and more number of fish species than the absent ones, but conductivity, total nitrogen, and number of weir are lower. In addition, the present sites are lower low velocity at pool and higher mean substrate at pool. From this study, we suggest that maintaining good water quality and preventing anthropogenic impacts greatly aid conservation of the M. rapidus in South Korea.
Highlights
Global biological diversity is rapidly diminishing as a result of human activity (Sala et al 2000; Sutherland et al 2009)
When comparing the distribution status of M. rapidus from 1996 to 2008 with the current presence sites (Chae et al 1996, 1998a, 1998b; MEK 1997–2008; Kum & Yang 2002; Lee & Kim 2002; Kang et al 2004), we found that M. rapidus inhabited the main stream and tributary stream of the Nakdong River and presumed that its population was greatly decreased or became extinct, based on the survey of the Ministry of Environment in 2008 demonstrating that its habitats were only in the Sancheong-gun district of Gyeongsangnam-do (Figure 2)
At the Yeong River, which was among the sites where >30 individuals of M. rapidus were collected, individuals were reported to inhabit downstream rapids with gravel near the confluence of the Nakdong River, but this was not confirmed by the present study
Summary
Global biological diversity is rapidly diminishing as a result of human activity (Sala et al 2000; Sutherland et al 2009). Many scientists are calling the current crisis a mass extinction, which could result in the loss of as many as 30–50% of all species within 50 years (Pimm & Raven 2000; Thomas et al 2004; Chivian & Bernstein 2008). Systematic conservation and restoration strategies with a focus on endangered species are essential to prevent the loss of South Korea’s endemic freshwater fish species (MEK 2011). In South Korea, in accordance with the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, the Ministry of Environment has designated and protected nine species of Endangered Freshwater Fish Category I and 16 species of Category II (MEK 2012).
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