Krbava Dace
CR

Krbava Dace

Telestes fontinalis

UnknownCREUCREU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telestes_fontinalis

Overview

Telestes fontinalis, the Spring pijor or Krbava dace, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, which includes the daces, Eurasian minnows and related fishes. It is found only in Croatia. Its natural habitats are intermittent rivers and inland karsts. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Telestes fontinalis faces severe population decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development in its limited range. Water abstraction for irrigation and domestic use has reduced flow rates in the spring-fed streams this species depends upon. Pollution from agricultural chemicals and sewage discharge has further compromised water quality in its already restricted habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered cyprinid inhabits clear, cool spring-fed streams and small rivers with rocky or gravelly substrates. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with stable temperatures and minimal pollution levels.

Rocky areas· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies management

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Krbava Dace classified as Critically Endangered?
Krbava Dace is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Telestes fontinalis faces severe population decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development in its limited range. Water abstraction for irrigation and domestic use has reduced flow rates in the spring-fed streams this species depends upon. Pollution from agricultural chemicals and sewage discharge has further compromised water quality in its already restricted habitat.
Where does Krbava Dace live?
Krbava Dace occurs in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Krbava Dace?
The main threats to Krbava Dace are 11.1, 11.2, 5.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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