Updated Fish Fauna of Karpuz and Ilıca Streams in Antalya Region: Species Diversity and Ecological Assessment

This research aims to provide an updated account of the fish fauna present in the streams Karpuzçay and Ilıca located in Antalya, southwestern Türkiye. The research was conducted through fish sampling at four strategically selected stations within these rivers, which were chosen for their high representativeness of the overall riverine ecosystem. The sampling took place in May 2023, primarily using the SAMUS 1000 portable electrofishing device to collect fish specimens. Records from Ege University Faculty of Fisheries Freshwater Fish Collection (EFSM), and the Zoological Collection of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (FFR) were also included in the study, along with published literature, to create an updated fish list for these two rivers. Our findings revealed the presence of multiple families, indicating a diverse fish community within these freshwater systems. Significantly, this study reports the presence of Tinca tinca (tench) in Karpuzçay Stream for the first time according to EFSM records, marking a noteworthy addition to the known fish fauna of the region. Karpuzçay and Ilıca rivers are critical components of the Antalya River Basin, contributing substantially to the area's ecological balance, economic activities, and cultural heritage. These rivers support a variety of aquatic and riparian habitats, which are essential for numerous species and local communities. Despite their importance, the rivers face numerous threats including pollution, habitat destruction, water extraction for agriculture, and the impacts of climate change. These pressures underscore the urgent need for effective conservation measures to safeguard the integrity and biodiversity of these river systems. This study not only updates the fish species list of the Karpuzçay and Ilıca rivers but also discusses the implications of these findings for the health and conservation of these aquatic ecosystems. By compiling and analyzing existing information alongside new data, I aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the rivers' biodiversity and the environmental factors influencing it. The discussion includes recommendations for conservation strategies to mitigate threats and promote the sustainable management of these vital freshwater resources.