| In this study I evaluated the conservation status of the only native fish of the highlands of Imbabura, Ecuador, Astroblepus ubidiai (Siluriform), and progress toward a conservation plan for the “threatened” species. The study design presented here may be adequate in general for threatened and poorly known species. Six aspects of the ecology and biology of the species were examined: habitat requirements, life history, population status, population trends, population genetics, and perturbation resilience. Essential habitat, availability of good quality habitat and its fragmentation were evaluated using a Habitat Suitability Index Model based on remnant populations. The life table of the species was developed using indirect estimates of population parameters, which allowed the study of life history and phenotypic plasticity. Elasticity analysis was undertaken using a deterministic matrix model. This enhanced the population viability analysis and assisted in the retrospective understanding of causes of decline and the potential or prospective effect of management actions on the vital rates fecundity and survival. The study of quantitative traits and neutral genetic markers provided an understanding of the genetic structure of populations and facilitated the determination of appropriate conservation units. The use of criteria developed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aided in the endangerment categorization of conservation units of A. ubidiai, which were determined as “critically endangered”. A conservation plan for the species was the final outcome, including actions required for this unique fish to persist. |
