Subterranean Fishes of the World

4503

2019

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Namibia, Report MFMR-RIIWS1-2019-06-30

The C. cavernicola population is currently considered to be healthy with individuals in a good condition, stable population numbers (compared to the previous estimates), no sign of any disease or skin infections, large water surface with several air connections, relative abundance of food and successful recruitment taking place. Another positive point is the restricted access to the cave enforced by the owner of the farm, however this aspect relies on the goodwill and interest of the current landowner. Unfortunately, some threats to the survival of this species are not in our control such as climate change that will most likely impact on the cave conditions and even the water abundance or any of the physicochemical parameters that currently provides for a very stable habitat. Recommendations The following actions are recommended: Predetermined interval visits to visually, from above the water, inspect the water clarity/condition, fish condition, for any sign of successful breeding, presence of food and a visual count of individuals. Gene sequencing can be done to determine closely related fish species and whether the species in the different parts of the cave are the same species or maybe a subspecies. Artificial breeding should be studied to potentially establish a population outside its natural range for restocking if necessary. This, however, should only be done in extreme circumstances as diseases/parasites/fungi can also be introduced into the cave. Suba dive counts should be conducted at least every 5 years. This, however, could change considering the variability that climate change is expected to bring. Determination of any specific site related conservation measures that might be applied, especially under the provisions of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Bill. Access to the cave must be controlled by the landowner and the Ministry. The cave ecosystem must receive special protection. The Minister should by notice in the Gazette declare this species as endangered. This would prevent anyone to catch, retain, kill or injure this species without the written permission of the Minister. This is according to Section 21 of the Inland Fisheries Resources Act (No. 1 of 2003) of Namibia.

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