In Türkiye, the discovery of the leopard barbel fish in the Tigris River is being celebrated as a significant event. Environmentalists are thrilled about finding this spotted carp-like fish, considered one of the most endangered species globally, which was believed to have disappeared over a decade ago and feared to be extinct.
Culture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli referred to the leopard barbel as “one of the 10 most sought-after fish in the world” and expressed that this discovery is excellent news for the protection and development of Türkiye’s biodiversity.
A team, including scientists from Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and members of the Re:wild and SHOAL conservationist programs, made the remarkable discovery.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University associate professor Cuneyt Kaya, part of the team, shared the excitement of finding a species that had been on the brink of extinction but has managed to survive against the odds.
The leopard barbel fish was once plentiful in the rivers of eastern Türkiye, as well as parts of Syria, Iran, and Iraq. However, it disappeared from the wild, raising concerns about its extinction.
A recent report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature stated that 25 percent of the world’s freshwater fish species are at risk of extinction. This finding highlights the importance of freshwater ecosystems in maintaining the overall health of the planet.
Harmony Patricio, the freshwater fish conservation program manager for Re:wild and SHOAL, expressed hope that the rediscovery of the leopard barbel will inspire future efforts for freshwater biodiversity conservation in the region.
