Status assessment of lampreys in Natura 2000 network in Lithuania

Abstract

The two lamprey species, European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis L. and European brook lamprey L. planeri Bloch, which inhabit Lithuanian rivers are of conservation concern. They are considered either Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, or even Extinct in different regions of Europe. Migration obstacles and consequent habitat loss and population fragmentation are probably the most widespread and significant factors contributing to the current status. Therefore, all member states are obliged to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). This study assessed the conservation status of L. fluviatilis and L. planeri in 16 Proposed Sites of Community Interest (pSCIs) for lamprey conservation in Lithuania. Lamprey ammocoete surveys were conducted at 41 sites following the established national protocol. In particular, we compare historical and recent data of lampreys in Lithuanian rivers, discuss the factors that contributed most to their decline and recommend conservation measures that may contribute to their recovery.