Conservation of biodiversity of Iranian endemic fishes as a national natural monument (suggested location: Ghadamgah Spring, Fars prov.)
Subject Areas : مدیریت ، برنامه ریزی و آموزش محیط زیستArash Jouladeh Roudbar 1 , Saber Vatandoust 2 * , Hamid Zohrabi 3 , Masoud Yousefi 4
1 - Ph.D., Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity, Berlin, Germany.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries, Science Faculty, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran, Iran. * (Corresponding Author)
3 - Ph.D., Deputy of Natural Environment and Biodiversity, Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran.
4 - Ph.D., Department of Environmental science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
Keywords: Aquatic animals, Climate, Conservation status, Iran.,
Abstract :
Background and Objective: To date, around 40 natural monuments from 20 different provinces have been registered in Iran. A brief review of this list suggests that aquatic animals, especially fish, have received little attention, as only one fish-related site appears in the entire registry. This is despite Iran’s high diversity of freshwater fish, many of which are endemic to the country. The aim of this study is to propose and introduce Ghadamgah Spring as the first natural monument in Fars Province, highlighting its unique biodiversity and the need for its conservation.
Material and Methodology: In January 2022, fish fauna of Ghadamgah Spring and its outflow channels were sampled using an electrofishing device. After identification using valid taxonomic keys, specimens were photographed and released back into their natural habitat. A few specimens were transferred to the laboratory for further examination.
Findings: According to the results, Ghadamgah Spring hosts five families, eight genera, and ten fish species, of which nine are endemic and one is native. This spring appears to be the only location in Iran that, within such a small area (less than 500 m2), hosts such a high number of endemic species. In other words, it alone harbors more endemic fish species than 14 of Iran’s major drainage basins.
Discussion and Conclusion: Ghadamgah Spring is a small, rare, exceptional, unique, and irreplaceable phenomenon with significant conservation, scientific, and natural value. Therefore, it is recommended to be designated as a national natural monument.
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