Sturgeon Recovery Plan in the Rhône River (France): Preliminary Results on Species Determination and Habitat Suitability

摘要: Sturgeons were living in the Rhone River (France) until their complete extirpation mid 1970s. They disappeared without a certainty about species identity and sympatry between Acipenser sturio naccarii, as occurred Po Guadalquivir rivers. Preliminary studies launched 2005 by Migrateurs Mediterranee (MRM) association to overcome this lack of knowledge evaluate lower environment suitability for sturgeon. Twelve sturgeon specimens from French Mediterranean coast found museums samples genetic analyses taken 10 them (analyses progress). Genetic (cytochrome b) on five bone remain (among 2500 remains available) more than 2000 years old city Arles, close River, clearly show that A. was river. Morphological comparisons ancient recent skeletons naccarii are progress. Environment existence possible suitable habitats river, mainly spawning feeding grounds. This should be confirmed precise studies. All these preliminary results very encouraging regarding restoration River.