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Revisiting the list of freshwater fish species of Israel – A new research, led by Dr. Roni Tadmor-Levi from the group of Prof. Lior David, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, sheds new insights of what freshwater fish species make up the biodiverse aquatic fauna of Israel.

The research takes advantage of the molecular method, known as DNA barcoding, and along with morphological taxonomy and geographic distribution data, revisits the species composition in Israel. The research suggests to reconsider definitions of about 12 species belonging to 5 different genera. This research establishes a database for efficient and rapid molecular identification of species to advance future ecological and taxonomic research. Also, the research highlighted the Sea of Galilee and the Beit-She’an valley as species rich “biodiversity hotspots” and targets for conservation. The data and tools developed in this research, will support conservation decisions and protection of the rich and unique biodiversity of Israel and the near region.

Prof. Lior David is the academic curator of the national fish collection.

Links to the article:

In Ecology and Evolution - please click here.

In NewGram magazine - please click here.