The freshwater blenny Salariopsis fluviatilis is fairly widespread across Mediterranean inland freshwaters but with an unusually patchy distribution.We investigated the species’distribution patterns in Greece,its hab...The freshwater blenny Salariopsis fluviatilis is fairly widespread across Mediterranean inland freshwaters but with an unusually patchy distribution.We investigated the species’distribution patterns in Greece,its habitat,and the effects of anthropogenic pressures by providing an in-depth review of electrofishing sampling data,covering 717 river sites(14.4%with the species present),plus bibliographical data for the first time from Greece.We found that the species is confined predominately to natural lotic and often small water bodies(such as coastal streams),usually with spatially restricted,low-density populations.Many suitable river stretches are not inhabited by this otherwise widespread fish,now documented in 46 river basins in Greece.We identified local extirpation in 7 basins and hypothesize that the species may have been more widespread in the past.We provide evidence that anthropogenic pressures such as artificial barriers(e.g.,dams,road-crossing fords)severely limit movement,i.e.,77.7%of the total sites with S.fluviatilis were located in proximity to artificial barriers.However,two inland populations appear to benefit from impounded reservoirs,which sustain high-density populations in connected inflow streams.The species is vulnerable to range declines due to further habitat degradation,drought effects,and fragmentation.A precautionary approach is required for assessing its current conservation status.Conservation measures,focusing on stream ecosystems,connectivity restoration,and reintroduction are proposed.展开更多
基金co-funded by the European Union under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie project,Grant Agreement No.101081327.
文摘The freshwater blenny Salariopsis fluviatilis is fairly widespread across Mediterranean inland freshwaters but with an unusually patchy distribution.We investigated the species’distribution patterns in Greece,its habitat,and the effects of anthropogenic pressures by providing an in-depth review of electrofishing sampling data,covering 717 river sites(14.4%with the species present),plus bibliographical data for the first time from Greece.We found that the species is confined predominately to natural lotic and often small water bodies(such as coastal streams),usually with spatially restricted,low-density populations.Many suitable river stretches are not inhabited by this otherwise widespread fish,now documented in 46 river basins in Greece.We identified local extirpation in 7 basins and hypothesize that the species may have been more widespread in the past.We provide evidence that anthropogenic pressures such as artificial barriers(e.g.,dams,road-crossing fords)severely limit movement,i.e.,77.7%of the total sites with S.fluviatilis were located in proximity to artificial barriers.However,two inland populations appear to benefit from impounded reservoirs,which sustain high-density populations in connected inflow streams.The species is vulnerable to range declines due to further habitat degradation,drought effects,and fragmentation.A precautionary approach is required for assessing its current conservation status.Conservation measures,focusing on stream ecosystems,connectivity restoration,and reintroduction are proposed.
