This Action aims to understand the degree of threat posed by the common bleak (an exotic species currently spreading) to the saramugo, either through direct competition, or because of the potential for successful hybridization.
The impact of the common bleak on the saramugo will be assessed through studies of biotic interactions between individuals and the potential for hybridization between the two species. The larger the co-occurrence of the two species, the larger the likelihood of interactions between the common bleak and the saramugo, both in terms of their distribution area (assessed from results obtained in Action A3), and in terms of the use of the habitat for breeding.
The Action will be developed and coordinated by the University of Évora during the first two years of the project, and followed closely by the ICNF and LPN. This Action has three components:
1. Characterization of the habitat of the saramugo and common bleak, based on field work;
2. Laboratory tests to assess biotic interactions, namely predation and interspecific competition between the common bleak and the saramugo;
3. Assessment of the possibility of hybridization between these two species.
Translated by: Marta Cálix
