Duck-billed buntingi (Adrianichthys kruyti)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 232533096

Conservation Action for Critical Endangered Endemic Fish Species in Sulawesi’s Ancient Lakes

This project aims to rediscover and conserve the critically endangered species A. kruyti, an endemic fish of Lake Poso, which has not been found since 1983. As part of the project, we conducted a direct expedition to Lake Poso using various types of fishing gear, both passive and active methods, such as traps (bubu), gill nets, fishing rods, throw nets, seine nets, and others. Additionally, as an alternative approach, we utilized the eDNA method, where habitat samples (water) were collected to detect genetic traces of the species within its habitat, thereby extending the expedition's efforts to the molecular detection level.

We are also collaborating with a private institution focused on life animal care in their domestication efforts, hoping that A. kruyti can be rediscovered, collected alive, and successfully preserved through maintenance and restocking efforts.