Mongolian red list of fishes

Abstract

The Mongolian red list of fishes is one of a number of publications resulting from activities under the World Bank's Netherlands-Mongolia Trust Fund for environmental reform. Freshwater biodiversity is generally a poor cousin to terrestrial biodiversity and the authors hope that this work will raise the profile of the fishes, highlighting the threats they face, promoting the actions needed for rational management and conservation, and providing a solid reference for those conducting environmental assessments for the growing number of projects affecting surface water such as dams, mines and water transfers in Mongolia. Much of the study and information on Mongolian fishes has focused on species of economic importance. However, since the collapse of the centrally-planned economy in 1990, few good records of fisheries data are now kept. Demand for Mongolian fishes is increasing, both from within Mongolia and from other countries, but although protective legislation is in place, the prevention of illegal fishing remains difficult. Mongolia's fishes are further threatened by mining and climate change. The assessments of the expert working group contained in this book provide an overview of the status of Mongolia's fishes. This includes the most accurate available information on geographic range and significant threat processes for 64 native species. It also identifies what we still do not know about these fishes, and which areas of research should be a priority for future study.