Will the Italian endemic gudgeon, Gobio gobio, survive the interaction with the invasive introduced Gobio gobio?
Title:
Will the Italian endemic gudgeon, Gobio gobio, survive the interaction with the invasive introduced Gobio gobio? Distribution, taxonomy and genetic status of the European species of the genus Gobio International conference Brno, September 9-11, 2003
The genus Gobio in Italy was represented by the endemic species G. benacensis. The original distribution of this species was the Padano-Venetian district, but since a long time it was introduced in central Italy. Introductions of alien species to Italy during the last 10 years brought the sudden introduction of the Danubian G. gobio. Genetic and morphological analyses revealed the extensive presence of G. gobio, which rapidly colonised several rivers in Italy causing the progressive decline of G. benacensis, which now should be considered as an endangered species. Among examined populations those found in the Tagliamento River and transplanted in the Ombrone River represent genetic reservoirs of this species which will probably disappear in northern Italy.