A importância da pesquisa científica em unidades de conservação: um estudo de caso no Parque Estadual de Itapuã (RS, Brasil)

Abstract

We conducted a synthesis of the fish records of Itapuã Wildlife Reserve, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on a review of zoological collections and scientific literature. A total of 92 fish species were confirmed for the area, of which 32 are new records to the Itapuã Management Plan from 1996. The fish diversity was inventoried by the aquatic environments present within the park, such as Guaíba Lake and Patos Lagoon, Negra and Palácio lagoons, streams, wetlands, and temporary ponds. Two species classified as threatened of extinction are found within the park: the catfish Genidens barbus and the annual fish Cynopoecilus nigrovittatus. Conversely, three species originating from the Uruguay River basin are considered invasive alien species. Voucher specimens and images of all recorded species are provided.