Genetic Diversity of Stellate Sturgeon in the Lower Danube River: The Impact of Habitat Contraction upon a Critically Endangered Population

• Published in: Water (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 1115
• Main Authors: Holostenco, Daniela Nicoleta, Ciorpac, Mitică, Taflan, Elena, Tošić, Katarina, Paraschiv, Marian, Iani, Marian, Honț, Ștefan, Suciu, Radu, Rîșnoveanu, Geta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Acipenser stellatus; Adults; anadromous sturgeons; Analysis; Biological diversity; Contraction; Dam construction; damming; Developmental stages; Endangered & extinct species; Endangered populations; Endangered species; Enzymes; Evolution; Evolutionary biology; Excommunication; Extinction (Biology); Fishes; Genetic diversity; Genetic structure; habitat contraction; Haplotypes; Investigations; Migration; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial DNA; Monte Carlo simulation; Polymorphism; Population; Population genetics; Protection and preservation; Rivers; Socioeconomic factors; Spawning; Spawning migrations; species conservation; Species extinction; Sturgeon; wildlife; Caspian Sea; Romania; Black Sea; Danube River

One of the last wild populations of the critically endangered stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) survives in the Danube River. Limited knowledge about the genetic structure, ecology, and evolution of this species led to poor and inconsistent management decisions with an increased risk for speci...