Pseudoscaphirhynchus fedtschenkoi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syr_Darya_sturgeon
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
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.
