Rationale
(Changed due to Same category and criteria)
Widely distributed across the upper catchments of the Limpopo River System in South Africa and in the Pongolo Rivers in Swaziland. There are some impacts on subpopulations, however the species' taxonomy needs to be revised urgently. This species is currently not threatened with extinction.
Distribution
The species occurs in the upper reaches of southern tributaries of the Limpopo, Inchoate, Mbuluzi rivers in South Africa and south through Swaziland to the Pongolo River.
There are more than 13 isolated subpopulations known.
Threats
The species is threatened by habitat degradation of upper catchments and introduced predatory alien fishes for example Trout species. Potential movement of Yellowfishes (Labeobarbus spp.) for angling purposes is a major threat; as it may cause hybridization and homogenization of stocks. Hybridization has occurred with Labeobarbus aeneus in regional aquaculture facilities and through introductions into rivers. Populations have been lost through the impacts of weirs which hinders migration and breeding. Localized gill netting is a serious problem in parts of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. These threats have resulted in at least one isolated subpopulation (in the Letaba River) being extirpated.
Conservation
Habitat conservation and control of alien fish movements is needed. A moratorium on Yellowfish movements has been introduced, this should continue with education of angling groups. Fishways should be incorporated into dams and weir designs where possible. Strict control of aquaculture facilities to prevent hybridization of Labeobarbus species. Enforcement of illegal gill netting activities.
[@article{18475,
author = {Skelton, P.H.},
title = {A Complete Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa},
year = {2001}
}
,@article{63287,
author = {Bills, I.R., Boycott, R.C., Fakudze, M., Khumalo, N., Msibi, J., Scott, L.E.P., Terry, S. and Tweddle, D.},
title = {Fish and Fisheries of Swaziland (2002-2003). Final report: July 2004},
year = {2004}
}
,@electronic{2426,
address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
author = {IUCN},
title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-3},
year = {2017}
}
,]
