A dedicated team of ichthyologists in Turkey has achieved an extraordinary feat by rediscovering a living “legend” in the form of the leopard barbel (Luciobarbus subquincunciatus), a distinctive carp-like fish adorned with captivating spots. This remarkable species, once abundant across Eastern Turkey, Eastern Syria, Iran, and Iraq within the Tigris-Euphrates river system, had faced the perils of extinction due to overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and dam construction over the past three decades. Its scientific documentation had ceased in 2011, leaving its fate uncertain.
Undeterred by the challenges, Associate Professor Cüneyt Kaya and Assistant Professor Münevver Oral from Recep Tayyip Erdogan University collaborated with local fishers, who shared intriguing anecdotes suggesting the possible persistence of the leopard barbel.
Reflecting on their success, Kaya expressed, “There is an indescribable joy in discovering that a species on the brink of extinction is still holding on against all odds. It surpasses the excitement of finding a new species because it signifies a chance to revive and preserve a rare gem.”
The team initially delved into scientific literature to trace the species’ historical locations, but the dynamics had shifted with the construction of nine dams in the Turkish segment of the Tigris River. Undeterred, the team adjusted its strategy, focusing downstream from the dams where the release of cold water altered freshwater fish movements.
In a thrilling turn of events, just days after their second expedition, Kaya and Oral received a video call from local fisherman Mehmet Ülkü. He had captured a 20-inch (50-centimeter), 4.4-pound (2-kilogram) specimen boasting distinctive black spots and the hallmark fleshy filament hanging from its mouth—a clear indication of the elusive leopard barbel.
Ülkü carefully preserved the fish overnight in a tank equipped with a constant oxygen supply. Meanwhile, Kaya embarked on a direct flight to the region, driving nearly six hours to Cizre in the far southeastern reaches of Turkish Kurdistan. Simultaneously, Oral undertook an epic 11-hour overnight drive to witness and confirm the identity of this extraordinary find.
Upon their arrival, Ülkü had successfully caught a second leopard barbel in his nets. The team’s expertise and collaboration allowed them to assist in the safe release of the first specimen, marking a triumphant moment in the conservation of this species and offering it a second chance at thriving in its natural habitat.
“We dropped everything and would have gone to the ends of the Earth to see this fish, this legend, alive in the wild,” exclaimed Oral. “I have never seen a fish as beautiful as this. It was the realization not only of our dream to find this lost species but of the hope that not all is lost—we still have a chance to protect the leopard barbel and all of the other incredible freshwater species it shares its home with.”
📸 Capturing Nature’s Masterpiece: Leopard Barbel Unveiled! 🌿
Experience the thrill as Kaya and Oral, armed with scientific precision, photograph and measure the size and shape of these extraordinary leopard barbels. Join forces with the local Cizre fisheries aquaculture department as they joyously release these breathtaking creatures, symbolizing a victory for conservation!
🌐 Your Role in Conservation: Be Part of the Leopard Barbel Legacy! 🐟
“We all have a role to play in protecting our incredible natural heritage, and I am proud to have used my skills to help rediscover the leopard barbel,” declared Ülkü, the skilled fisherman. “Safeguarding this species into the future is going to require educating other fishers and continuing to bring together scientific knowledge and local expertise.”
✨ Dive into the Conservation Movement: Save the Leopard Barbel, Secure Our Aquatic Heritage! 🌊”
In an inspiring initiative, Kaya and Oral are gearing up to conduct a series of empowering seminars for both fishers and educators. Their goal is to instill a sense of pride in the riverways and wildlife of Turkey, utilizing the incredible rediscovery of the leopard barbel as a compelling case study. Through knowledge-sharing and community engagement, they aim to foster a collective commitment to protect the invaluable Tigris River and its diverse ecosystem.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Leopard Barbel: Join the Journey! 🌐🐟
Beyond celebrating their success, Kaya and Oral are on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the leopard barbel’s current existence. By organizing seminars, they aspire to cultivate a deeper understanding of the species’ population and distribution across its historic range.
Expedition Powered by Re:wild: Champions of Lost Species Conservation! 🌿
This groundbreaking expedition, confirming the continued existence of the leopard barbel, was made possible through co-funding by Re:wild, global leaders in rediscovering lost species and championing their protection. Join the movement to preserve our planet’s biodiversity, one success story at a time!
🔍 Rediscovery Milestone: Leopard Barbel Joins the Ranks of Found Species!
Celebrating not just one but two triumphs, the leopard barbel marks the second rediscovery on Re:wild and SHOAL’s Most Wanted Lost Fishes list. Recall the excitement of the Batman River loach’s rediscovery by this intrepid team in Southeastern Türkiye in late 2021!
🔄 Share the Conservation Momentum: Let’s Protect Turkey’s Rivers Together!
Spread the word and be part of this vital conservation effort in Turkey’s rivers. Share this story to inspire others and ensure a sustainable future for our waterways and the magnificent wildlife they harbor. #ConservationMatters #LeopardBarbelRediscovery #ProtectOurRivers