engleski

Are we using our freshwater fish diversity? Balkan peninsula key studies: introductions, risk assessment and the impact of exotic invasions

Balkans belongs to the one of 35 biodiversity hotspots and together with the Mediterranean peninsulas of Iberia and Apenines, it contains much of genetic and species diversity. Many aquatic animals are long-established in the Balkans, but there are some recently introduced species even in isolated lakes. Surveys from several Balkan countries revealed that, 15-23 % of their fishes are non-native, including some specific cases, as River Danube, with more than 50 % of introduced fishes. The idea of transferring fish from other continents probably also arose during Renaissance times. However, documentation of fish introductions into Balkan area began in 19th century with common carp and goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) introductions. Primary motivation of introductions in Balkan countries was aquaculture and recreational fishing, followed by ornamental (garden and aquarium) purposes, biocontrol agents and to fill 'a vacant niche'. In most of Balkans countries, there are still no effective measures to control introductions or translocations of non- native fish species. Due to high level of endemism and great conservational value of inland water fish species in this region, especially in isolated and short rivers, introductions can cause real threat to ichtyofaunistic diversity. Thus, history of introductions, current dispersal, present status of alien fish species and their impact will be discussed.

biodiversity ; Balkan peninsula ; genetic diversity ; common carp ; goldfish

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