C.A.R.E.S. Preservation

[Melody]

C.A.R.E.S. Preservation is based on the critical and timely significance of Conservation, our Awareness as hobbyists of the issues involved, and the public Recognition of members, offering Encouragement and Support for those who take part in playing a vital role in ensuring a positive future for species at risk. The purpose of the C.A.R.E.S. Preservation Program is to encourage hobbyists worldwide to devote tank space to one or more species at risk, while forming an information network between aquarists, scientists, and conservationists.

This endeavor is supported by the American Livebearer Assoc., which is where I heard about it. It is also supported by TFH Mag and the American Cichlid Assoc., among others, including schools.

I think its a fantastic idea and look forward to participating. I will be speaking to them about international involvement and will keep you posted.

Find out more at carespreservation.com (http://www.carespreservation.com) .

For a categorized Species At Risk listing, click here (http://www.carespreservation.com/priority_list.html). I found many that I didn't even realize were at risk.

[KnaveTO]

Thanks for that. Although I do notice they are missing whole swatches of fish species from South America on that list. Especially with the dam being given approval for construction and destroying the sole habitat of countless species of fish.

[Melody]

Its their list of project species I gather, not an offical list.

[Melody]

Okie dokie, I've been in correspondence with the fine folks at C.A.R.E.S. and I'll be advocating involvement this side of the border. If you think your club would like to be involved, please let me know.

In regards to the fish listed, I asked and received the following reply:

The CARES Conservation Priority Species at Risk List is a continual work in progress and, unfortunately, growing. Special note must be paid to the word "priority." Each species that appears on the CARES List goes through a careful screening process and must pass the final approval of renowned ichthyologist and celebrated conservation champion, Dr. Paul Loiselle, for which the American Cichlid Association's Paul V. Loiselle Conservation Fund is named after.

It is important to understand that virtually *all* species of fish are "at-risk." As Dr. Loiselle will tell you, in reality, unless either their habitat is under particular anthropogenic pressure or they are either being over-exploited for the aquarium trade or are the victims of accidental by-catch, they are not listed. Any species classified as either Low Risk or Globally Extinct do not appear on the List, as our resources are limited to be expending them on those in the first category, and there is, unfortunately, nothing that we can do for those that are extinct. The list is long, and depressing enough without adding unnecessarily to it!

It is very important to also note that species which are not available to hobbyists for regulatory reasons, and are unlikely to become so any time in the foreseeable future, are not included on the list. The CARES Preservation Program recognizes only those fishes that are within the bounds of all laws, both foreign and domestic. Those fishes that are not suitable for the home aquarium are also not included on the list. Again, there is little point in making the list any longer than is practically necessary.

Having been in the jungles of South America several times myself, and observing these fishes in their native habitats, I can tell you that, yes, we do need to feel concern. However, almost all of the species of Madagascar, Lake Victoria, the crater lakes of western Africa, and many of the fishes of Central America are in dire need of our immediate attentions.

I do hope that this helps to give a better understanding of the species that are on the CARES Conservation Priority Species at Risk List. After having read this, if you know of a species that you feel should be considered, by all means, please do send that on and it will certainly be evaluated for inclusion on the List!

With all Warm Regards,
Claudia