Syr-Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon
Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Darya_sturgeon
Overview
The Syr Darya sturgeon, or Syr Darya shovelnose sturgeon, is a species of fish in the family Acipenseridae. It is found in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where it is endemic to the Syr Darya River and, before its drainage, the Aral Sea. Due to the loss of its breeding site and damming projects over the length of the river, it is currently considered Critically Endangered, as no sightings have been reported since the 1960s.
The sturgeon is among the 25 "most wanted lost" species that are the focus of Re:wild's "Search for Lost Species" initiative.
Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction throughout the Syr Darya river system, which has dramatically reduced water flow and altered natural flood cycles essential for spawning. Overfishing and illegal harvesting have further decimated remaining populations, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge continues to degrade water quality in its limited range.
Habitat
This endemic sturgeon inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Syr Darya river system in Central Asia, preferring deep pools and channels with sandy or muddy substrates. The species requires free-flowing river sections for spawning migrations and depends on seasonal flood patterns for successful reproduction.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ACIPENSERIDAE
Threatened in Kazakhstan
Frequently asked questions
Why is Syr-Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Syr-Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon live?
What are the main threats to Syr-Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon?
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