An assessment of selected biology aspects of the
two Yellowfish species Labeobarbus kimberleyensis and L. aeneus from the Orange-Vaal River system, using radio telemetry methods,
South Africa.
Econ@UJ project
By: Linda Nel
This
Yellowfish telemetry study is being undertaken by scientific specialists from
Econ@uj a consortium of ecological scientists based at the Zoology department
of the University of Johannesburg, with support from the Water Resource
Commission and Flycastaway, in collaboration with the Orange-Vaal River
Yellowfish Conservation and Management Association and Wag-‘n-Bietjie Ekoplaas.
Yellowfish
(Labeobarbus spp.) are generally a cosmopolitan species which have ecological, economical
and social importance. The inadequate understanding of the biological
requirements of Yellowfish in the Vaal River has promoted this telemetry study,
which has been designed to assist with the development of conservation
protocols and management scenarios for river ecosystems. This study aims to characterise the
flow, depth and substrate requirements of the Yellowfishes in the Vaal River
and to further characterise the general feeding and spawning biology of these
species in the field. This study involves tagging of twelve Orange-Vaal Largemouth and twelve Smallmouth
Yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis and L. aeneus) individuals in the Vaal
River over a period of twenty four months.
Adopt a yellowfish
Due to the nature of this type of
research endeavour, a constant demand for financial resources has resulted in
the concept of “adopt a Yellowfish”. This entails the adoption (or purchasing) one of the tagged
Yellowfish individuals being monitored in this study by private organisations
or individuals. Whilst being
monitored over the 175 day period (battery life of the tag) specific
information regarding the specific behaviour of tagged fish will be presented
to the adopter of the fish being monitored. Initially, the general information of the individual fish
(size, weight health etc.) will be presented to the adopter and thereafter on a
3-4 weekly basis an overview of the recent behaviour and characteristics of the
individual will be presented to the adopter. Any additional information and photographs regarding related
events in the study will be send to these adopters as well. The funds raised will be reinserted
into the study to further the current research endeavour. For more information please visit http://www.yellowfishreasearch.co.za/
 |
 |
 |
