News
Two extensive research expeditions conducted by Fauna & Flora and our partners in Kyrgyzstan have revealed the alarming news that a little-known but previously common freshwater fish, the pike asp, is no longer present in one of its last known strongholds in Kyrgyzstan.
The surveys were undertaken as part of a comprehensive inventory of freshwater fish species in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn River basin, the first such studies to be conducted for several decades. The main objective of the expeditions was to determine the status of the endangered pike asp.
Dams and lost spawning grounds
Historically, this fish was most abundant in the numerous side channels of the Naryn River that flowed slowly through the mountain valleys. In the absence of other predatory fish species, the pike asp was the top predator.
However, the construction of hydroelectric power stations and the creation of artificial reservoirs had a significant impact on the species, which requires free-flowing water and sand and gravel banks for spawning.
Fluctuations in water levels caused by the hydropower plants have led to spawning grounds drying up, especially in spring, which disrupts the successful reproduction of the species. A substantial portion of the pike asp’s traditional spawning grounds have been destroyed or significantly altered.
Despite losing the majority of its breeding grounds, the pike asp somehow persisted and, until recently, was known to be present in Toktogul, the largest reservoir in Central Asia. Measuring almost 300 square kilometres, and with an average depth of over 200 metres, this vast body of water once held healthy numbers of pike asp.
© Mariia Cherniavskaia / Fauna & Flora
Survey work at Toktogul Reservoir, Kyrgyzstan.
Pressure from invasive species and poaching
Unfortunately, the combination of habitat destruction, invasive alien species and illegal fishing now appear to have taken a deadly toll on the species.
Two non-native trout species have colonised Toktogul, outcompeting the pike asp and other local fish. The Issyk-Kul trout was deliberately introduced into the reservoir in the 1990s, leading to increased competition for food resources. Rainbow trout, which are now widely farmed in the region, escaped from their cages and preyed on juvenile pike asp, displacing the native fish.
These threats have been exacerbated by poaching, which has increased significantly in recent years, accelerating the species’ apparent local extinction.
Conducted jointly with the Laboratory of Ichthyology and Hydrobiology of the Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, the surveys found no evidence of the pike asp in the Toktogul Reservoir or the Naryn River. The latest findings – or lack of them in this case – have led to a proposal to change its status on the IUCN Red List to Critically Endangered.
Encouragingly, a stable population of the Turkestan barbel – another rare fish species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan – was found in the lower reaches of the Kara-Suu River. Nevertheless, the alarming news about the pike asp’s disappearance confirmed the urgent need to continue efforts to protect threatened biodiversity in the region.
Taking action for freshwater species and their habitat
With the support of Fondation Segré through IUCN Save Our Species, Fauna & Flora is working with local partners to restore and conserve populations of rare fish species and their freshwater ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan. In addition to conducting research and inventories on target species, we are also developing measures to restore degraded habitat, as well as engaging with communities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting Kyrgyzstan’s freshwater fauna. In this regard, we are nurturing and cooperating closely with a local environmental organisation, Jashyl-Ooron, which plays a crucial role in helping to address poaching and improve fishing regulations.
To date, we have provided training for over 50 people, including local fishers and representatives of conservation organisations and scientific institutes, increasing knowledge of rare fish species including the pike asp. Eco-friendly bags depicting rare fish species have been widely distributed, while strategically placed information banners have helped to raise wider awareness of the importance of conserving biodiversity.
© Mariia Cherniavskaia / Fauna & Flora
Information banner erected alongside Toktogul Reservoir.
Joining forces to secure the future of freshwater species
The health of Kyrgyzstan’s freshwater habitats and the species they harbour is vital to the future of Central Asia’s ecosystems. There is much work still to do – from collaborative research and conservation to community engagement – to ensure that the region’s other rare fish species avoid the same fate as the beleaguered pike asp.
Donate todayToktogul Reservoir, Kyrgyzstan. © Mariia Cherniavskaia / Fauna & Flora
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