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05 29, 2020;10 (1): 8790.

Anguillid eels as a surrogate species for conservation of freshwater biodiversity in Japan.

Hikaru Itakura, Ryoshiro Wakiya, Matthew Gollock, Kenzo Kaifu
Author Information
  1. Hikaru Itakura: Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 146 Williams St., Solomons, MD, 20688, USA. itakurahikaru@gmail.com.
  2. Ryoshiro Wakiya: Research and Development Initiative, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551, Japan.
  3. Matthew Gollock: The Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
  4. Kenzo Kaifu: Faculty of Law, Chuo University, 724-1 Higashinakano, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 192-0393, Japan.
PMID: 32472008 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65883-4

Abstract

To monitor and manage biodiversity, surrogate species (i.e., indicator, umbrella and flagship species) have been proposed where conservation resources are focused on a limited number of focal organisms. Using data obtained from 78 sites across six rivers in the mainland Japan and the Amami-Oshima Island, we demonstrate that two anguillids - the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) and the giant mottled eel (A. marmorata) - can act as surrogate species for conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Anguillid eels were the widest topographically-distributed species ranging from near the mouth to the upper reaches of rivers. Moreover, stable isotopic analyses indicated that eels are likely one of the highest-order predators in freshwater ecosystems. A significant positive relationship was found between the density of eels and the number of other diadromous species collected. However, the optimal models revealed that both the density of eels and the number of other diadromous species were significantly negatively correlated with distance from the river mouth and cumulative height of trans-river structures from the river mouth to each site. This suggests the positive relationship between eel density and number of other diadromous species was indirect and related to river-ocean connectivity. Given their catadromous life-cycle, and global commercial and cultural importance, as a taxa, anguillid eels can act as indicator, umbrella and flagship species, and a comprehensive surrogate for conservation of freshwater biodiversity.

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MeSH Term

Anguilla
Animal Migration
Animals
Biodiversity
Conservation of Natural Resources
Fresh Water
Japan
Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Article has an altmetric score of 57

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