27.07.2009 

A new database of freshwater creatures in Seychelles has been set up after a survey that recorded 19 species of fish and 12 crustaceans here.

Prof. Keith presenting the results of the survey to local conservationists

Among the discoveries earlier in the survey was a fish never recorded before anywhere in the world.
The survey – Freshwater fishes and crustaceans in Seychelles and Indo-Pacific islands: knowledge, management and conservation – which started in 2003, was carried out by Professor Philippe Keith from the Natural History Museum of Paris in collaboration with the conservation section of the Seychelles Department of Environment.

Professor Keith presented local conservationists and all those involved in environmental work with the results of the survey recently at the l’Alliance Française building in Victoria.

Those present were briefed on the main methods used for the study and on the implications for conservation and management.
Professor Keith explained that because the upstream migration (from sea to river) of larvae is so massive at fixed periods in the year, these species – particularly fish – can be of importance on many archipelagos as food resources for local people.

But this food resource, he said, is fragile, often bordering on extinction, on account of both the complexity of the species’ life cycles and the hydrological characteristics of these islands.

According to senior project officer in the conservation section Elvina Henriette, research work covered the habitat, ecology and biology of the creatures, and among the fish four endemic and four introduced species were recorded.

Mrs Henriette also said a new species – Parioglossus multiradiatus (Larkansyel) – was found and added to the science database.

A poster has been designed from the findings of the survey, which will also be used to compile an atlas containing scientific information about other islands in the Indian Ocean.

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/