Abstract

The presence of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) and ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris) in the Danube has been known through only occasional, chance sightings; significant uncertainty remains as to whether these species are already extinct or still present in the Danube River basin. In this study, five different statistical methods were applied for assessment of their extinction probability. All methods provided a significant probability that the Atlantic sturgeon is extinct, with extinction having occurred somewhere between 1966 and 1970. Although the applied methods provided different results, all indicated that the ship sturgeon is probably still present, but that extinction may occur within a few decades. Sensitivity analyses of these statistical methods projected that new sightings of ship sturgeon in the coming years would not extend the length of extinction by more than a few years. The best management approach for these two species, given the lack of knowledge on their presence in the Danube River basin, could be to apply all feasible protection measures for the other four Danube sturgeon species. These measures could at the same time provide protection for these two species, presuming they are not already extinct or beyond recovery.

Published in

Journal of Applied Ichthyology
2009, Volume: 25, number: 2, pages: 137-141
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

SLU Authors

• Ebenhard, Torbjörn

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre


UKÄ Subject classification

Zoology
Environmental Sciences


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2009.01227.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/88010