PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Iberian Peninsula is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots of European freshwater fish species. Most of these native species are endemic to this geographic region, and the majority of them are threatened. The saramugo (Anaecypris hispanica), a fish species, is included in this group of endangered species. It is listed as ‘critically endangered’ in the ‘Portuguese Red Data Book of Vertebrates’ and is included in Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. The distribution range and population size of this species, however, has continued to decline over the past 40 years. This downward trend is increasing the risk of local extinctions and urgent action is needed to halt the species’ further decline.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE SARAMUGO project’s main aim was to strengthen saramugo populations by improving its habitat. Actions foreseen included:
- Updating knowledge of populations in the Guadiana River basin enclosed in Portuguese territory;
- Rehabilitating shelter, feeding and reproduction habitats and their connectivity;
- Promoting habitat suitability for the saramugo, in order to allow future reintroductions or population reinforcements with specimens reproduced ex situ (preserving intraspecific diversity);
- Clarifying the potential impacts of co-existence with the invasive bleak (Alburnus alburnus) testing barriers that could prevent bleak progression in areas of saramugo;
- reducing water pollution caused by livestock, in order to safeguard and improve water quality; and
- Demonstrating techniques applicable to invasive alien species removal and expansion control, in order to reduce the impact of this threat.
RESULTS
The LIFE Saramugo project team promoted the conservation of populations of saramugo (Anaecypris hispanica), an endangered freshwater fish, in the Guadiana river basin (Portugal) where it is an endemic species. The team carried out interventions to improve habitats in three sub-basins of the Guadiana River (Xévora, Ardila and Vascão), particularly in the Natura 2000 network sites of São Mamede, Moura/Barrancos, and Guadiana.
The project team:
● Updated knowledge on the saramugo’s population status and its distribution area in the basin of the Guadiana River, as well as the threats in the sub-basins where the species occurs.
● Acquired new knowledge about the negative impacts of the non-native fish species bleak (Alburnus alburnus) on saramugo, resulting from their coexistence in the habitats, the interactions between the two species, and the potential for hybridisation between them.
● Demonstrated river rehabilitation and restoration techniques to improve the conservation status of the habitat in 5 riverside stretches, namely de-silting (in 2), eradication of giant cane (1), and renaturalisation or densification of the margin plant strata (5).
● Eliminated sources of water pollution caused by the presence of large ungulates (domestic and/or wild), with the installation of physical barriers (fixed or removable fences in two areas and gates in one area) to restrict their access to water, and the provision of alternative watering solutions.
● Demonstrated measures to control a range of non-native fish species by: 1) carrying out 4 annual campaigns to remove non-native fish species in summer pools (246 trawls using seine nets with the removal of 21 246 specimens of non-native fish); 2) installation of 2 types of devices in dams that reduce the passage of non-native specimens from dams (small and medium-sized) to the downstream water bodies; 3) development of a removable electric barrier to block the dispersion of non-native taxa, especially cyprinids such as bleak.
LIFE Saramugo beneficiaries raised awareness regarding the importance of saramugo, its habitat and the associated biodiversity. They disseminated procedures and best practices for the safeguarding of aquatic systems, through five information sessions and two best practices leaflets for the training of agricultural producers and fishers. Two training sessions were also organised for inspection/regulatory services on water resources and biodiversity, to improve surveillance and assure the protection of saramugo habitat. The project team engaged with schoolchildren on saramugo conservation, with 2 535 students from 147 classes from 34 schools attending presentations, field trips, and other activities. Over 5 160 people in total were reached by the project’s various awareness-raising actions.
The project team organised a symposium on the conservation of freshwater fish and rehabilitation of habitats (80 participants), and a workshop on exotic fish control practices (40 participants);
A Stewardship Network, called “Guardians of Saramugo”, was established, with 49 members. The project team also created two riverside public leisure areas. The project won a GEOTA Award (Prémio Guarda-Rios 2018), for being an example of good practices for the management of freshwater ecosystems for environmental improvements to secure the present and future of Portuguese rivers.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
