Riverine Species Research Articles

Seasonality and extreme flooding can override the effects of debris dam removal on riverine species: a case study of macroinvertebrates

Seasonality and extreme flooding can override the effects of debris dam removal on riverine species: a case study of macroinvertebrates

Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Details the Spatial Structure of a Diverse Tropical Fish Assemblage in a Major East African River System

ABSTRACTManagement and conservation of species‐rich tropical freshwater systems require reliable information on the diversity and distribution of species present. Here, we used environmental DNA metabarcoding to reveal the diversity of the fishes in the Rufiji River catchment of central Tanzania. Across 174 samples from 49 sites, and using a newly developed reference library, we mapped the presence of 66 fish species from an estimated 91 that we are confident are present in the system. We found clear evidence of community structuring of the assemblage linked to key environmental gradients—elevation, temperature, and turbidity. We also identified core distributions of rare or threatened taxa, including migratory species such as the anguillid eels. With a focused analysis of 50 samples collected over a small spatial scale (<2 km) from the Kilombero River, we showed that each single sample can capture an average of 23.1 species, while three samples can capture 39.4 species, from a total of 56 species encountered in the 50 samples. Collectively the results help to identify species vulnerable to ongoing change in the catchment, including dam construction and agricultural intensification. The results clearly demonstrate how eDNA‐based metabarcoding can reliably describe the diversity and distributions of riverine fish species across a catchment, providing standardized information that will be valuable for environmental management.

Contemporary Trends in the Spatial Extent of Common Riverine Fish Species in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin

As one of the world’s most regulated river basins, the semi-arid Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) in south-eastern Australia is considered at high ecological risk, with substantial declines in native fish populations already identified and climate change threats looming. This places great importance on the collection and use of data to document population trends over large spatial extents, inform management decisions, and provide baselines from which change can be measured. We used two medium-term data sets (10 MDB basin-wide fish surveys from 2004–2022) covering the 23 catchments and 68 sub-catchments of the MDB to investigate trends in the distribution of common riverine species at the entire basin scale. Fifteen native species were analysed for changes in their contemporary range, and whilst short-term changes were identified, all species showed no significant continuous trend over the study period. We further analysed the native species extent relative to their historic records, with bony herring and golden perch occurring in 78% and 68% of their historic river kilometres, respectively, whereas southern pygmy perch, northern river blackfish, silver perch, mountain galaxias, and freshwater catfish were all estimated to occur in less than 10% of their historic extent. Six established non-native species were also analysed and were very consistent in extent over the years, suggesting that they are near the available limits of expansion of their invasion. We provide effect sizes for the spatial extent index which can be used as baselines for future studies, especially those aiming to monitor changes in the spatial extent and population status of native species, or changes in the spatial extent of new or existing non-native species.

The interplay of group size and flow velocity modulates fish exploratory behaviour

Social facilitation is a well-known phenomenon where the presence of organisms belonging to the same species enhances an individual organism’s performance in a specific task. As far as fishes are concerned, most studies on social facilitation have been conducted in standing-water conditions. However, for riverine species, fish are most commonly located in moving waters, and the effects of hydrodynamics on social facilitation remain largely unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, we designed and performed flume experiments where the behaviour of wild juvenile Italian riffle dace (Telestes muticellus) in varying group sizes and at different mean flow velocities, was studied. An artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning algorithm was developed and employed to track fish positions in time and subsequently assess their exploration, swimming activity, and space use. Results indicate that energy-saving strategies dictated space use in flowing waters regardless of group size. Instead, exploration and swimming activity increased by increasing group size, but the magnitude of this enhancement (which quantifies social facilitation) was modulated by flow velocity. These results have implications for how future research efforts should be designed to understand the social dynamics of riverine fish populations, which can no longer ignore the contribution of hydrodynamics.

Habitat use of barbel (Barbus barbus) in a restored urban Danube tributary

Tributaries play a vital role in fish spawning and recruitment, significantly influencing mainstem river fish populations. However, in the Anthropocene era, tributaries within river networks suffered ecological degradation due to fragmentation and channelization. This has led to reduced distribution ranges and declining populations of various riverine species, underscoring the urgency of conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Our study explores the potential for reintroducing fish from the mainstem Danube River into the Wien River, an urban tributary that has undergone partial rehabilitation. We assessed habitat use and movement patterns of 20 adult barbel (Barbus barbus), a species classified as ‘near threatened’ in Austria, collected from the Danube River during the spawning season. These barbel were tagged with radio telemetry tags and relocated into the upper reaches of the Wien River, surmounting several artificial barriers in the lower sections. Although spawning activity was not observed among the barbel, possibly due to prevailing water temperatures, our data suggest that the Wien River could function as a viable temporary habitat. Barbel were notably inclined to inhabit deeper pool and run habitats. Their daily movements and home ranges were relatively limited, ranging from 0.0 to 1.1 km and 100 m to 2.9 km, respectively. One contributing factor to restricted movement was the presence of beaver and knotweed dams, which created temporary migration obstacles. On average, the barbel remained within the system for more than a month. Most of these fish migrated downstream at the onset of a significant high-flow event. Our assessment suggests that while the Wien River may not serve as a permanent habitat, it could function as a temporary habitat for migratory fish. However, to ensure accurate assessments of the restored Wien River as a spawning habitat, it is imperative to reevaluate the findings under stable spawning conditions and gather comprehensive data on relevant abiotic factors. This study advocates for the restoration of longitudinal connectivity between tributaries and mainstem rivers as a means to counteract biodiversity loss in Anthropocene river ecosystems.

Variability in the summer movements, habitat use and thermal biology of two fish species in a temperate river

The ability of fish to cope with warm water temperatures in summer depends on factors including their thermal traits and the ability of individuals to access cool-water refugia. Knowledge is highly limited on the in situ responses of many fishes to elevated summer temperatures, including whether they express behavioural thermoregulation. The responses of two riverine species to summer water temperatures were tested here using the movement metrics, spatial habitat use and body temperatures of individual European barbel Barbus barbus (‘barbel’) and common bream Abramis brama (‘bream’) versus river temperatures. Acoustic biotelemetry was applied in the lower River Severn basin, western Britain, in summer 2021 (barbel) and 2022 (bream), where individuals could move across > 150 km of river, including a tributary of cooler water. Across all individuals, bream occupied 37 km of river length (mainstem only), with low inter-individual variability in their spatial habitat use, movements and body temperatures. In contrast, barbel occupied 62 km of river (main river/tributary), with relatively high inter-individual variability in spatial habitat use, movements and body temperatures, with higher variation in body temperatures as river temperatures increased (maximum mean daily temperature difference between individuals on the same day: 4.2 °C). Although warmer individuals generally moved more, their activity was greatest at relatively low temperatures and higher flows, and neither species revealed any evidence of behavioural thermoregulation during elevated temperatures. Enabling phenotypically diverse fish populations to express their natural behaviours and thermal preferences in summer water temperatures thus requires maintaining their free-ranging in thermally heterogenous habitats.

Modelled impact of Tiny Targets on the distribution and abundance of riverine tsetse.

The insecticide-treated baits known as Tiny Targets are one of the cheapest means of controlling riverine species of tsetse flies, the vectors of the trypanosomes that cause sleeping sickness in humans. Models of the efficacy of these targets deployed near rivers are potentially useful in planning control campaigns and highlighting the principles involved. To evaluate the potential of models, we produced a simple non-seasonal model of the births, deaths, mobility and aging of tsetse, and we programmed it to simulate the impact of seven years of target use against the tsetse, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, in the riverine habitats of NW Uganda. Particular attention was given to demonstrating that the model could explain three matters of interest: (i) good control can be achieved despite the degradation of targets, (ii) local elimination of tsetse is impossible if invasion sources are not tackled, and (iii) with invasion and target degradation it is difficult to detect any effect of control on the age structure of the tsetse population. Despite its simplifications, the model can assist planning and teaching, but allowance should be made for any complications due to seasonality and management challenges associated with greater scale.

Diel patterns of habitat use and movement by juvenile and subadult trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) in a regulated lowland river

Improved knowledge of habitat use and movements is needed to support recovery of threatened riverine fish species. The trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) is a nationally threatened fish species endemic to rivers of the southern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), Australia. This study investigated diurnal and nocturnal habitat use and movements of trout cod in the Goulburn River, using radio-telemetry. Trout cod typically occupied small reaches (<300 m) of stream during the late spring–summer study period. Larger-scale movements (mostly home-range shifts) and movements onto inundated riparian habitats also occurred during a period of high discharge. Trout cod occupied deeper water further from the bank during the day and shallower water closer to the bank during the night and used areas with slower velocities more than was their availability, particularly during the earlier hours of the day. They also made extensive use of in-stream cover (i.e. wood). Our information on diel habitat use provides a platform to guide informed management (e.g. availability of preferred habitats under different river-discharge scenarios) to improve trout cod population sustainability.

Out of the ancient lake: Multiple riverine colonizations and diversification of the freshwater snails in the genus Semisulcospira around Lake Biwa

Ancient lakes are a hotspot of biodiversity. Freshwater species often experience spectacular species radiation after colonizing lakes from riverine habitats. Therefore, the relationship between the fauna of the ancient lakes and the surrounding riverine system has a special significance in understanding their origin and evolutionary history. The study of ancient lake species often focused on the lake colonization of riverine species. In contrast, far less attention has been placed on the reverse direction: the riverine colonization of the lake species, despite its importance in disentangling their complex evolutionary history. The freshwater snails in the genus Semisulcospira involve endemic groups that radiated in the ancient Lake Biwa. Using genetics and fossil records, we inferred that the ancestors of these lake-endemic Semisulcospira snails historically colonized the riverine habitats at least three times during the Middle Pleistocene. Each colonization resulted in the formation of a new lineage that was genetically and morphologically distinct from other lineages. Further, one of these colonizations was followed by hybridization with a cosmopolitan riverine species, which potentially facilitated the population persistence of the colonizers in the new environment. Despite their complex histories, all these colonizers were currently grouped within a single species, Semisulcospira kurodai, suggesting cryptic diversity in this species. This study highlights the significance of the riverine colonizations of the lake species to fully understand the diversification history of freshwater fauna in and around the ancient lakes.

Homogeneity in terrestrial land cover is reflected in fish diversity patterns in a Chinese river system

AbstractIn river systems worldwide, land cover changes have been identified as major drivers of biodiversity change. Quantifying how terrestrial land cover impacts riverine diversity requires local biodiversity assessments. In this study, we investigated the association of terrestrial land cover and the corresponding riverine fish species communities using eDNA‐metabarcoding in the Chinese Shaying River basin. This basin is home to about 37 million people and is largely dominated by a mix of intense agriculture and urban areas, creating a relatively homogeneous, intensely used landscape. We investigated whether the homogeneous landscape is mirrored in the composition and structure of fish communities in the river network. We sampled eDNA in spring and fall of 2018, amplified it with a primer designed for local fish species and used operational taxonomic units (OTU) assigned to fish as proxy for diversity. Furthermore, we used redundancy analysis, general linear models, and distance decay curves to assess the effects of land cover on fish communities. We found that the Shaying River showed relatively high basin‐wide richness (63 OTU) and seasonal differences in local richness, but limited community differentiation. Variations in alpha‐ and beta‐diversity, measured as local OTU richness and pairwise distance‐decay across the basin were low. Redundancy analysis showed only a weak association between observed aquatic communities and their terrestrial surroundings in a 10 km buffer upstream. The lack of community differentiation assessed by eDNA metabarcoding reflects the homogeneous and intense land‐use in this basin.

Calm after the storm? Similar patterns of genetic variation in a riverine foundation species before and after severe disturbance.

In summer 2011, Tropical storms Lee and Irene caused an estimated 90% decline of the submersed aquatic plant Vallisneria americana Michx. (Hydrocharitaceae) in the Hudson River of New York (USA). To understand the genetic impact of such large-scale demographic losses, we compared diversity at 10 microsatellite loci in 135 samples collected from five sites just before the storms with 239 shoots collected from nine sites 4 years after. Although 80% of beds sampled in 2011 lacked V. americana in 2015, we found similar genotypic and genetic diversity and effective population sizes in pre-storm versus post-storm sites. These similarities suggest that despite local extirpations concentrated at the upstream end of the sampling area, V. americana was regionally resistant to genetic losses. Similar geographically based structure among sites in both sampling periods suggested that cryptic local refugia at previously occupied sites facilitated re-expansion after the storms. However, this apparent resistance to disturbance may lead to a false sense of security. Low effective population sizes and high clonality in both time periods suggest that V. americana beds were already small and had high frequency of asexual reproduction before the storms. Dispersal was not sufficient to recolonize more isolated sites that had been extirpated. Chronic low diversity and reliance on asexual reproduction for persistence can be risky when more frequent and intense storms are paired with ongoing anthropogenic stressors. Monitoring genetic diversity along with extent and abundance of V. americana will give a more complete picture of long-term potential for resilience.

Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factor of Four Threatened Riverine Catfish Species in the Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh

The current study examined the length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), and condition factor (K) of four threatened riverine catfish species (Pangasius pangasius, Rita rita, Sperata aor, and Bagarius bagarius) sampled from the Meghna River Estuary (MRE), Bangladesh. A total of 578 individuals were collected from contracted fishermen between January and October 2022. The length and weight of each species exhibited a highly positive correlation. The regression coefficient was 2.24 for P. pangasius, 2.90 for R. rita, 2.91 for S. aor, and 3.25 for B. bagarius. Furthermore, all species demonstrated a highly positive correlation between total length and standard length (r > 0.90). The calculated condition factor (K) values were 0.87 for P. pangasius, 1.18 for R. rita, 0.66 for S. aor, and 0.99 for B. bagarius indicating variations among the species. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of all four major catfish species found in the MRE.

Assessing potential spawning locations of Silver Chub in Lake Erie

AbstractObjectiveSilver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana, a predominately riverine species throughout its native range, exists within Lake Erie as the only known lake population. Its population declined in the 1950s and never fully recovered. Canada has listed Silver Chub in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River as endangered and has initiated a recovery plan that recognized the identification of spawning areas as a critical component to inform Silver Chub's recovery potential.MethodsWe investigated potential spawning locations of Silver Chub using capture records, otolith microchemistry, and daily age analysis. Lapillus otolith Sr:Ca ratios from 27 age‐0 Silver Chub were used to identify potential spawning areas. Daily ages estimated from lapilli were used to calculate hatch dates, which then were compared with capture data of adults and river flows to further inform potential spawning areas.ResultThe Detroit River (and its nearshore area) was all but ruled out as a potential spawning location. The Maumee, Portage, and Sandusky rivers or their nearshore areas were all possible spawning locations. Projected hatch dates spanned the end of May through the end of June and occurred across a wide range of flows, although some peaks in hatch dates corresponded to flow peaks, indicating recruitment is potentially enhanced by high flows.ConclusionSilver Chub spawning period and hypothesized spawning rivers or lacustuaries overlap those of invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, creating a need to jointly consider Grass Carp control efforts with conservation of Silver Chub when assessing management alternatives. Further research on spawning guild and the use of rivers themselves or nearshore areas influenced by rivers as spawning areas are required to maximize potential for conservation and recovery of Silver Chub.

Heavy metals in five commonly consumed fish species from River Swat, Pakistan, and their implications for human health using multiple risk assessment approaches

This study analyzed the levels of heavy metals bioaccumulation in commonly consumed riverine fish species, including G. cavia, T. macrolepis, G. gotyla, S. plagiostomus, and M. armatus from River Swat in Pakistan, and quantify their potential risk to children and adults in general and fisherfolk communities using multiple pollution and risk assessment approaches. The highest metal detected by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was Zn, which ranged from 49.61 to 116.83 mg/kg, followed by Fe (19.25–101.33 mg/kg) > Mn (5.25–40.35 mg/kg) > Cr (3.05–14.59 mg/kg) > Ni (4.26–11.80 mg/kg) > Al (1.59–12.25 mg/kg) > Cu (1.24–8.59 mg/kg) > Pb (0.29–1.95 mg/kg) > Co (0.08–0.46 mg/kg) > Cd (0.01–0.29 mg/kg), demonstrating consistent fluctuation with the safe recommendations of global regulatory bodies. The average bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values in the examined fish species were high (BAF > 5000) for Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Cd, bioaccumulate (1000 > BAF < 5000) for Co, and probable accumulative (BAF <1000) for Fe, and Al, while the overall ∑heavy metals pollution index (MPI) values were greater than one (MPI > 1) indicating sever heavy metals toxicity in G. cavia, followed by S. plagiostomus, M. armatus, G. gotyla, and T. macrolepis. The multivariate Pearson's correlation analysis identified the correlation coefficients between heavy metal pairs (NiCr, CuCr, PbCr, AlCo, CuNi, and PbNi), the hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) determined the origin by categorizing heavy metal accumulation into Cluster-A, Cluster-B, and Cluster-C, and the principal component analysis (PCA) discerned nearby weathering, mining, industrial, municipal, and agricultural activities as the potential sources of heavy metals bioaccumulation in riverine fish. As per human risk perspective, S.plagiostomus contributed significantly to the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals, followed by G.cavia > M.armatus > G.gotyla > T.macrolepis in dependent children and adults of the fisherfolk followed by the general population. The non-carcinogenic target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values for heavy metal intake through fish exposure were < 1, while the carcinogenic risk (CR) for individual metal intake and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for cumulative Cr, Cd, and Pb intake were within the risk threshold of 10−6–10−4, suggesting an acceptable to high non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for both children and adults in the fisherfolk, followed by the general population.

Species-specific adaptations, individual condition, and life-history-induced dispersal strategies of fish larvae along a transverse gradient in a large river

Early life-history properties reveal a considerable variation among riverine fish species and may play a major role in the downstream drift of larval fish. This role, however, remains largely unexplored. Assemblages of drifting fish larvae and their condition during the peak seasons were analyzed along a cross-section from littoral to midstream zones in a free-flowing section in the middle Yangtze River. Assemblage structure and larval body injuries revealed pronounced transverse patterns. These patterns were mainly explained by hydraulic gradients. Highest species occurrence was recorded in the littoral zone. Larval abundance of most species and larval body injury rates were higher in littoral and sublittoral zones. Relative inshore and nearshore larval abundance revealed a significant negative relationship with species-specific initial body size, and varied among species. Larval abundance, body injury rate, and feeding intensity were all higher at night. Our findings revealed considerable habitat preferences of drifting larval fish and suggest important adaptations for reducing starvation- and predation risks. These factors should be considered in species conservation and river management.

Using distribution models to identify range shifts of four Acroneuria Pictet, 1841 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) species in the Midwest USA

Regional faunal assessments of stoneflies in the United States Midwest (herein defined as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) indicate increasing imperilment resulting from human disturbance and climate change. Large-bodied perlid stoneflies with multivoltine life cycles are among the most at risk for regional extirpation, with losses reported in several midwestern states. Species distribution modeling was undertaken to describe distribution shifts for four widespread riverine species: Acroneuria abnormis (Newman, 1838), A. frisoni Stark &amp; Brown, 1991, A. internata (Walker, 1852) and A. lycorias (Newman, 1839). The distribution modeling algorithm MaxEnt was selected to predict both the historical (i.e., pre-1960) and contemporaneous distributions for each species using separate occurrence datasets. These models permit the identification of suitable habitat loss through range contractions associated with human disturbance. Predictions of suitable habitat losses were recorded for multiple species but were greatest for A. abnormis and A. internata. These models serve to guide future collection efforts and to further describe patterns of regional biodiversity loss.

Coastal and Inland subsistence strategies during the Gravettian in the Cantabrian Region (northern Iberian Peninsula)

The Gravettian site of Fuente del Salín Cave is located in the northern Iberian Peninsula (Cantabrian Region, Spain). In 2016, excavations conducted at the site yielded numerous faunal remains, including mammals and fish. Researchers also recovered molluscs remains during the 1990, 1991, and 2000 campaigns. This study presents the results of the archaeozoological and taphonomical analyses of the large mammals and fish remains recovered during these excavations. At Fuente del Salín Cave, a high level of bone fragmentation and the presence of burning damage characterizes the faunal assemblage. Taxonomy of large game shows diverse habitat exploitation, such as coastal valleys and plains (red deer, Cervus elaphus; horse, Equus ferus) as well as rocky landscapes (Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica; and chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra). Additionally, fish remains show the presence of salmonids (Salmo sp.), cyprinids, and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), indicating the exploitation of coastal, demersal, and riverine species. The taphonomic analysis of the mammals revealed burning damage concentrated on axial elements and epiphyses, characterized by temperatures typical of carbonization or calcification. The scarcity of carnivore gnawing marks and the presence of butchering marks prove that humans were the main accumulators at Fuente del Salín Cave. Concerning fish, most remains correspond to spines, branchial spines, ribs, and vertebrae, indicating humans processed fish by removing these elements for consumption. Based on our results, Fuente del Salín Cave provides an essential record of the subsistence strategies of the inhabitants of the Cantabrian Region during the Gravettian.

Ornamental Fish Diversity of some Wetlands in Nimati, Jorhat, Assam

The main sources of air-breathing and attractive fish species in the Brahmaputra basin are the wetland or the floodplain lakes. A significant number of riverine species are transported in the wetland areas by the flood impulse of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Various types of ornamental fish can be found in the marshes of Assam. There are numerous wetlands nearby Brahmaputra River in the Nimati Ghat of the Jorhat district of Assam. Many riverine species use wetlands as breeding and feeding areas. Unfortunately, the fish population in wetland areas is declining as a result of habitat destruction. The present communication deals with the ornamental fish diversity in some wetlands nearby Nimati, Jorhat. The study was conducted in three important wetlands of Nimati, Jorhat District namely Borsola, Sarala and Gohain beel during monsoon season. A total of 56 ornamental fish species from different genus has been recorded from the wetlands. The fish found in these wetlands are a source of livelihood to the local population. Some fish are utilized for therapeutic purposes as well.

Satellite-monitored movements of the Amazon River dolphin and considerations for their conservation

AbstractThe Amazon River dolphin Inia geoffrensis occurs throughout the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers and is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Using satellite tracking data from eight dolphins (one female and seven males) in the Peruvian Amazon, we demonstrate that these dolphins inhabit a variety of habitat types and have core areas and home range areas of variable magnitudes. To gain a better understanding of how threats affect these dolphins, we examined the distance of dolphin records to locations of current and potential future anthropogenic threats. On average, dolphin home ranges overlapped with fisheries by 89%. Dolphins were found at an average distance of 252 km from the nearest proposed dam and 125 km from the nearest proposed dredging site. Given that many of these threats are still in the planning stage, we advise the government to consider the negative effects these activities have already had on other riverine species before proceeding. Additionally, efforts should be made to expand river dolphin tracking programmes to span multiple seasons, to track more females at our study sites and to increase the numbers tracked overall in other areas to improve our knowledge of the species' movement patterns.

Integrating ecological niche and hydrological connectivity models to assess the impacts of hydropower plants on an endemic and imperilled freshwater turtle

Abstract Hydropower is the main renewable energy source around the globe; however, cumulative impacts of hydropower plants (HPPs) come with vast environmental concerns. As freshwater species are susceptible to hydrodam‐induced environmental modifications, an understanding of how HPPs change species distribution is required to predict and mitigate the impacts of the expansion of hydroelectric matrices generation, securing energy provision and biodiversity conservation. We assessed the impacts of HPPs on the distribution of an endemic and imperilled freshwater turtle with very unique ecological requirements, the Williams' side‐necked turtle Phrynops williamsi. To prevent and mitigate impacts, we prioritized sites for species conservation by classifying planned HPP locations according to their predicted adverse effects on species distribution. We built ecological niche models to estimate the distribution of the species. Then, we contrasted the species distribution with current and planned HPPs in Brazil to (i) verify whether HPPs locations coincide with high suitability areas; (ii) assess the difference in the magnitude of impacts on species caused by HPPs regarding their licensing stage and type; and (iii) identify priority areas for species conservation over the sites where new HPPs are planned based on an integrative analysis of ecological niche and hydrological connectivity models. Finally, we assessed the risk of species extinction at multiple levels according to IUCN criteria. HPPs overlap areas of high suitability for the species, independently of type or licensing stage. Differences in adverse impacts among HPP types were determined by the affected area and the degree of disruption in connectivity. In the future, the area impacted by small HPPs will nearly equal those of large HPPs, which currently have the highest impacts on species. The conservation status of the species partially corroborated previous assessments and suggested that its extinction risk was underestimated at some levels. Synthesis and applications. Our modelling approach highlights potential conflicts between hydropower generation and species conservation. This analysis can be a complementary tool to drive decisions on the ecological sustainability of HPPs; it can reveal the patterns of cumulative impacts of HPPs on riverine species and freshwater ecosystems, informing the planning of sustainable energy provision.