Experts and students from UPJŠ conducted monitoring and conservation capture of the endangered crucian carp in the wetland of the Botanical Garden.
On October 8, 2025, as part of the EFFUSE-win project, an expert field activity took place in the Botanical Garden of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. The event focused on the capture and monitoring of the crucian carp (Carassius carassius) within the wetland established for its conservation breeding.
The crucian carp is considered an endangered species in Slovakia, as its natural wetland habitats have been severely affected by watercourse regulation, the loss of standing waters, and competition from non-native fish species. Its occurrence is closely associated with dense aquatic and marsh ecosystems characterized by slow or stagnant water. The wetland area within the Botanical Garden was created in 2022 as a model habitat for the conservation and reproduction of this species, based on the Agreement on Cooperation in the Implementation of Measures for the Conservation of Protected Fish Species.
During the field activity, a team of experts and students from UPJŠ carried out a gentle capture of individuals using methods designed to minimize stress and injury. Each fish was measured, weighed, and recorded in a database to support long-term monitoring of the population’s health and growth dynamics. After data collection, all individuals were returned to the water.
The activities carried out within the EFFUSE-win project help to raise environmental awareness and support the restoration of natural populations of endangered species. The protection of the crucian carp exemplifies how targeted conservation actions and scientific research can contribute to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of ecosystems.
