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Source- This post on Sturgeon Fishes has been created based on the article “Sturgeon, among the world’s most endangered fish, are being heavily poached & trafficked in the Lower Danube, their last stronghold: WWF” published in Down to earth on 30 July 2024.
Why in News?
According to a recent report by the WWF, poaching and trafficking are threatening the survival of four species of sturgeon. Sturgeon are amongst the most endangered fish species globally.
About Sturgeon Fishes
| About | Sturgeons are a group of ancient fish originating from the late Triassic period more than 200 million years ago. These species have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. |
| Habitat | They usually live in freshwater, coastal waters and inner seas. They are flagship species in their rivers and adjacent seas. |
| Distribution | These fishes are found in the northern hemisphere and in large river systems, lakes, coastal waters and inner seas throughout Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, other European countries and North America. |
| Feeding Pattern | They Mostly feed on benthic organisms found on the bottom of water bodies, like molluscs, invertebrates and small fishes. |
| Threats | Sturgeons are heavily exploited globally for their roe/eggs (caviar) and meat. This has led to a steep decline in populations worldwide. |
About the Danube Sturgeons
Six sturgeon species formerly native to the Danube river. Out of these two are locally extinct. The Lower Danube Basin is among the last European regions with self-reproducing sturgeon populations.
a. European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio)- Locally extinct
b. Ship sturgeon (Acipense nudiventris)- Locally extinct
c. Stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus)- Critically Endangered
d. Russian sturgeon (Acipense gueldenstaedtii)- Critically Endangered
e. Beluga (Huso huso)- Critically Endangered
f. Sterlet (Acipense ruthenus)- Endangered since 2022
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in News)
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