History, Life History, and Fate of a Salmonid Flagship Species: The Danube Salmon

Abstract

The Danube Salmon Hucho hucho, endemic to the Danube River basin, is one of the largest members of the salmonid family. Here, we describe the distribution, ecology, and status of this flagship species in the upper Danube River basin. We model the historical distribution of Danube Salmon in the Austrian Danube River basin based on a review of the literature and species records. Fish sampling data over the past few decades illustrate the dramatic decline of the species and the population characteristics within the ecological niche that the species occupies. In conclusion, measures for the long-term conservation of Danube Salmon in the upper Danube River, as well as possibilities for sustainable management, are addressed and discussed.