Feasibility study (re)introduction of European weather loach
Details
The European weather loach (Misgurn fossilis) is a freshwater fish that was included in Annex 2 of the Habitats Directive. Historically, the species occurred all over Flanders. Currently its spread is limited to one population in the 'De Goorken' nature reserve in Arendonk. In recent decades the species has also been spotted sporadically in a number of other marshlands. However, extensive sampling did not demonstrate the presence of a real population at any of these sites. There is relatively little known about the species' natural reproduction, but there are indications of a potentially complex reproductive strategy, such as with the spined loach (Cobitis taenia). The theoretical framework for such generally complex breeding methods has hardly been developed, which makes it much more difficult to evaluate the genetic status of populations. The reintroduction of this species therefore requires the collection of basic information on reproductive strategy, clonality, variation in ploidy, etc. A feasibility study will examine the possibility of reintroduction in order to expand the living area of the species in order to meet the objectives of the Habitats Directive.| Status | Uitgevoerd |
|---|---|
| Actual start/end date | 01/01/2015 - 31/12/2022 |
Teams
- Monitoring and Restoration of Aquatic Fauna
- Aquatic Management
- Genetic Diversity
- Aquatic Management
- Estuaries
- Wildlife Management and Invasive Species
INBO Research theme(s)
- Protected nature
- Water
Participants
Adinda De BruynEmilie Gelaude
Isabel Lambeens
Johan Coeck
Linde Galle
Marc Dewit
Yves Maes
An Van Breusegem
David Halfmaerten
Joachim Mergeay
Leen Verschaeve
Nancy Van Liefferinge
Rein Brys
Sabrina Neyrinck
Marlies Froidmont
Yves Ceusters
Johan Auwerx
Gerlinde Van Thuyne
Thomas Terrie
Franky Dens
Daniel Bombaerts
Bruno Picavet
Jeroen Van Wichelen
Olja Bezdenjesnji
