Watercourses of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve as a habitat, reproduction and conservation of fish gene resources

Abstract

Natural watercourses, their forage base, and ichthyofauna of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve of the Transcarpathian region have been studied. Information on the species composition is given, the names and genus of some of the specimens are specified. The systematic structure is reflected, the functional role of roundworms and fish in the studied ecosystem, dominant and endangered species are determined. Their geographical distribution in different zones of watercourses, structural-comparative analysis with the species registered in the Transcarpathian region are carried out. It is established: a characteristic feature of the ichthyocenosis is the presence of a significant number of salmon and aboriginal species. The urgency of research – global warming, human activities change the hydroecosystem of the reserve, have a negative impact on aboriginal fish species, which are indicators of changes in hydrological regime and microclimate, lead to the settlement of their areas indigenous. In total, we recorded 42 species belonging to 7 series, 11 families, 33 genera in the studied water areas. Additionally, 12 undescribed were identified. The growth of the total number of species by 66.67 % was due to allochtons. Emphasis was placed on the need for further genetic research, which could be a source of additional information on fish biodiversity in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve and in the Tisza River, a tributary of the Danube.