Conservation status of two eastern Balkan endemic fish species in Serbia and a proposal for their protection

Abstract

All waters of the Aegean drainage in South-East Serbia are inhabited by the Macedonian trout Salmo macedonica (KARAMAN, 1924). Eastern barbel Barbus cyclolepis (HECKEL, 1814) and chub Leuciscus cephalus (L., 1758) were found only in the Dragoviötica River and the minnow Phoxinus phoxinus (L., 1758) was recorded in the most downstream sections of the Ljubata and Dragoviötica Rivers. The hydrological (e.g. physical, chemical) characteristics indicate a well-preserved environment and good life conditions for fish in those uniform aquatic ecosystems. Based on the population status and the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Lower Risk (conservation dependent) (LR(cd)) and Vulnerable (VU) conservation status were assigned in national range for the Macedonian trout and the eastern barbel, respectively. More stringent measures are necessary to protect eastern barbel and Macedonian trout.