Distribution, biology, and ecology of Natura 2000 fish species of the genus Barbus in the Republic of North Macedonia

This research paper provides an overview of the distribution of fish species from the Barbus meridionalis complex in Macedonia: B. balcanicus, Barbus rebeli, Barbus prespensis and Barbus strumicae. All four species are also Natura 2000 species. Data on their distribution, combined with data on the distribution of all other Natura 2000 species and significant habitats in the country, is of exceptional importance in the designation of Natura 2000 areas in the country. Based on literature data, data from field research conducted during 2023 and 2024, and as part of the project activities within the framework of the project "Improving Capacities for Natura 2000 and CITES", an analysis of the distribution of species in the country was conducted. These are rheophilic fish that inhabit the high mountain parts of the rivers, but also the middle and lower reaches of the rivers that are characterized by a slow flow. Some of them also inhabit the coastal parts of the lakes. They are most often lovers of clean waters, the bottom of which is rich in sand, where they find their source of food (invertebrate organisms), but the possibility of including plant material in their diet is not excluded. Despite the increase in publications over the past years on barbels of the genus Barbus, data on the biology and ecology of species from our country are still extremely rare. Additionally, this research paper notes the threats that black barbels face in our country, and proposes measures for their protection.