The status of Anaecypris hispanica in Portugal: Problems of conserving a highly endangered Iberian fish

The status of the distribution and abundance of the endangered stream fish Anaecypris hispanica in Portugal is presented. A highly discontinuous and f ragmented pattern was observed, mainly caused by water resource development schemes, habitat degradation and introduction of exotic fish species. This reinforces the urgent need for a targeted rehabilitation programme and the implementation of a specific code of practice to conserve and enhance the residual populations. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.