About this Environmental Science article
Population genetics of the endangered Clanwilliam sandfish Labeo seeberi: considerations for conservation management by Clint Rhode; Shaun F. Lesch; Kelvin L. Hull; Ruhan Slabbert; Martine S. Jordaan is a Environmental Science article available to read on EtoBox.
## Abstract The Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) is one of southern Africa’s unique aquatic ecoregions and its freshwater fish fauna is characterized by high levels of endemism. As with many other Mediterranean-type ecosystems, the region is also a hotspot for threatened and range-restricted freshwater fish. Many of the CFE’s endemic species are at risk for extinction, with declines in population sizes and distribution ranges. The Clanwilliam sandfish __Labeo seeberi__ is an example of such a species and is considered one of South Africa’s most endangered large migratory cyprinids. This species is endemic to the Olifants/Doring river system in the CFE and has been subject to a major population decline, mainly as a result of invasive alien fish and adverse climate events. Little is known of the genetics of the Clanwilliam sandfish, thus this study aimed to provide basic population genetic parameters to inform future conservation interventions. Both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers were used to assess populations from three sites within the Olifants/Doring river system. Genetic diversity was moderate to low and did not reflect the drastic decline expected on the basis of
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- Author
- Clint Rhode; Shaun F. Lesch; Kelvin L. Hull; Ruhan Slabbert; Martine S. Jordaan
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Published
- 2023
- Language
- EN
- Field
- Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)