VU

Pelagonian trout

Salmo pelagonicus

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Pelagonian trout faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by dam construction and water extraction for agriculture and urban development throughout its native range in North Macedonia and northern Greece. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban wastewater has significantly degraded water quality in many river systems, while introduced non-native trout species compete for resources and hybridize with native populations. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and rising water temperatures further stress this cold-water specialist.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pelagonian trout inhabits cold, well-oxygenated mountain streams and rivers in the Vardar River basin of North Macedonia and northern Greece. This species requires pristine headwater streams with rocky substrates and temperatures typically below 18°C for optimal survival and reproduction.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Salmonidae

MaraeneVU

Maraene

Coregonus maraena

Unknown
Coomasaharn charrVU

Coomasaharn charr

Salvelinus fimbriatus

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Blunt-snouted charrCR

Blunt-snouted charr

Salvelinus obtusus

Unknown
CR

Spring spawning cisco

Coregonus trybomi

Unknown

Threatened in Greece

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Barusia laconica

Unknown
EN

Dianthus desideratus

Unknown
EN

Trichoferus bergeri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pelagonian trout classified as Vulnerable?
Pelagonian trout is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Pelagonian trout faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by dam construction and water extraction for agriculture and urban development throughout its native range in North Macedonia and northern Greece. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban wastewater has significantly degraded water quality in many river systems, while introduced non-native trout species compete for resources and hybridize with native populations. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and rising water temperatures further stress this cold-water specialist.
Where does Pelagonian trout live?
Pelagonian trout occurs in Greece, and North Macedonia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pelagonian trout?
The main threats to Pelagonian trout are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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