The genus Telestes primarily comprises freshwater fish distributed mostly in the Mediterranean area. Recent investigation of the evolutionary history of this genus revealed that it originated in southern Europe, where the most ancient Telestes species are still present. The isolation of rivers in the karstic region facilitated allopatric speciation, resulting in a high number of Telestes species and a great portion of endemic species in freshwater systems of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most of the endemic Telestes species have very small distribution areas, inhabiting a single river or a few water bodies in a single karstic field, making them extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic changes. In order to contribute to practical conservation of the endemic Telestes species through the design of conservational measures that are likely to be the most effective in ensuring the future viability and undisturbed evolutionary course of those species, we have investigated their population genetic structure and estimated their viabilities. Population viability analyses were carried out based on the current state of populations and their habitats, as well as recognized threats. Several scenarios also included potential threats. Our results show that invasive species pose the biggest threat to the future survival of the endemic Telestes species. Contrary to previous opinions that a reduced genetic diversity is characteristic for small populations, high intraspecific genetic diversity was revealed inside most of the investigated species, which might enable most of the populations to cope with future changes and mitigate negative effects.

This paper presents a critical assessment of the current status and geographical distribution of loaches (Cobitidae, Nemacheilidae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This closes a gap in research knowledge with only general distribution data currently available. In the Danube catchment four cobitid (Cobitis elongata, C. elongatoides, Misgurnus fossilis, Sabanejewia balcanica) and one nemacheilid species (Barbatula barbatula) were recorded, while the Adriatic Sea catchment hosts three spined loaches: C. narentana, C. illyrica, and C. herzegoviniensis and nemachilid B. barbatula. Cobitis elongatoides was found to be the most common and distributed throughout the northern Bosnia and Herzegovina; i.e. in the rivers Sava, Drina, Bosna, Vrbas, Una (Danube catchment). Sabanejewia balcanica was recorded in the same area but less frequently. Recent bibliographic evidence forces us to exclude C. taenia from the current checklist. On the other hand, cobitid species from the Adriatic Sea catchment are endemic with...

The general status of lampreys (family Petromyzontidae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was reviewed to determine the species composition and geographical distribution of this group in the region. This paper reviews the available literature to provide a critical analysis of the current status of lamprey species. According to the available data, their status can be considered as indeterminate, largely due to limited published records. While eight species are recorded as present in the region (Eudontomyzon danfordi, E. mariae, E. vladykovi, Lampetra fluviatilis, L. planeri, L. soljani, Lethenteron zanandreai, Petromyzon marinus), only three species (E. vladykovi, L. soljani, P. marinus) are confirmed to occur. Their distribution is recorded in waters of both the Danube and the Adriatic Sea catchments. Given the deficiencies in our understanding of the taxonomic status of some populations and knowledge of the geographical distribution of lampreys inhabiting both catchments, research focused on improving understanding of the phylogenetic, morphological and phenotypic traits of lampreys in Bosnia and Herzegovina is warranted to resolve these uncertainties. Problems related to threats and conservation, and future perspectives for protective management strategies are discussed. This paper provides the context for future biodiversity conservation and management with regard to lamprey species in Bosnia and Herzegovina.