Conservationists are celebrating the discovery and release of six highly endangered Mekong giant catfish, weighing up to 130 kilograms each, in a historic bumper catch that has boosted hopes for the critically endangered species’ revival.
Rare Mekong Giant Catfish Caught in Historic Bumper Haul
Conservationists are celebrating the discovery and release of six highly endangered Mekong giant catfish in Cambodia. The catch, which includes fish weighing up to 130 kilograms each, has boosted hopes for a revival of the critically endangered species.
A Hopeful Sign for Conservation Efforts
The USAID-funded Wonders of the Mekong conservation group described the capture of so many giant catfish over just five days as “a remarkable and unprecedented event.” Research biologist and project lead Zeb Hogan from the University of Nevada Reno noted that it’s a hopeful sign that the species is not in imminent risk of extinction. This gives conservation activities time to be implemented, which can help bend the curve away from decline and towards recovery.
The Plight of the Giant Mekong Catfish
The giant Mekong catfish is listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered, with a population estimated to have declined by around 80% in the past 13 years. Their current population is unknown, but they are now only found in some stretches of the Mekong River and its tributaries. In the past, they inhabited the entire length of the 4,900-kilometer-long river.
Threats to the Mekong’s Aquatic Habitat
The Mekong River has long been plagued by illegal fishing, habitat loss, and plastic waste. The construction of dams, including mega-dams, and climate change have had a devastating impact on water levels and upstream connectivity in the aquatic habitat of the rare catfish. These changes make it a tougher habitat for the species to survive.
A Step Towards Recovery
The release of the six giant catfish back into nature is a significant step towards recovery. By tagging these fish, researchers can gain critical information about their ecology, migrations, and habitat, which will help them survive in the future. This is a hopeful sign that conservation activities can make a difference in protecting this critically endangered species.
