Open AccessA Simple and InexpensiveTechnique for the Ex Situ Reproduction of Critically Endangered Cyprinids – Achondrostoma occidentale as a Case Study
Author(s) -
Gil F.,
SousaSantos C.,
Almada V.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of the world aquaculture society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1749-7345
pISSN - 0893-8849
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-7345.2010.00408.x
Subject(s) - biology , critically endangered , reproduction , endangered species , zoology , fishery , ex situ conservation , ecology , habitat
Ex situ reproduction of species in risk of extinction has been recognized by several authors (e.g., Gipps 1991; Maitland and Lyle 1992; Xia et al. 2005; Gayton 2008) as a solution for populations whose survival is threatened by an extremely low number of individuals and severe habitat degradation. Under such scenarios, although it may be difficult to preserve the original genetic diversity of the species, ex situ reproduction seems to be the only solution to avoid the complete extirpation of a species or population, by preserving their last representatives until their original habitats are restored (Maitland and Morgan 2002). When establishing an ex situ reproduction program, it is necessary to strike a balance between several conflicting demands. On one hand, it is necessary to retain maximum genetic diversity within the population whereas, on the other hand, space, human resources, and funding often are limited. Finally, culturing techniques employed must not negatively affect the behavior of the species which could lead to unintended artificial selection caused by hatchery conditions. Thus, planning aquaculture