Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 0925634

CONSERVATION OVERVIEW. Most of the sites where Carpitade Morelos was once found have now been lost mainly due to water pollution caused by the growth of the City of Cuernavaca, and remaining sites are under considerable pressure from a range of anthropogenic activities, including water extraction for consumption, habitat degradation by pollution and the introduction of exotic species, mainly rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Found in small portions of 9 streams and 1 wetland near the City of Cuernavaca (capital of the state of Morelos). Preliminary findings indicate that the species will be listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Redlist.

PROJECT GOALS. Assess the exact distribution of Carpitade Morelos. Estimate species population size in its current distributional area. Evaluate genetic diversity of the species by means of microsatellite DNA analysis. Produce a report to assist in the recovery and conservation of the fish.

PROJECT RESULTS. The historical Extent of Occurrence of the species was 11,650 hectares and is now 5,626 hectares. This represents a loss of 51.7% in 50 years, as a result of water pollution due to the growth of the cities of Cuernavaca and Temixco. The current Aarea of Ooccupancy of N. boucardi is 36,500 m2 (3.7 hectares), plus another 5000 m2 (0.5 hectares) of the wetland – a total of 4.1 hectares. DNA samples from each of the populations have been identified and are being isolated for further analysis.