Multi-method survey rediscovers critically endangered species and strengthens Madagascar's freshwater fish conservation.

ABSTRACT: Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for global biodiversity through supporting plant and animal species and providing essential resources. These ecosystems are under significant threat, particularly in island environments such as Madagascar. Our study focuses on the Amboaboa River basin, home to the rare and endemic fish species Rheocles derhami, last recorded in 2013. To assess the status of this and other threatened fish species including Ptychochromis insolitus and Paretroplus gymnopreopercularis, and to understand freshwater fish population dynamics in this biodiversity hotspot, we conducted a comprehensive survey using both environmental DNA (eDNA) and traditional fishing methods. While traditional methods effectively captured a diverse range of species, including several invasive alien

SUBMITTER: Oliveira Carvalho C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11372049 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature