Unlocking the Secrets of Sturgeon Ecology: Lessons From Conservation Efforts in Northern Italy

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the ecology of the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) and Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) in the Po basin in northern Italy, where both species have faced significant population declines. Using data collected from three LIFE projects, we investigated movement behaviour and habitat selection of the species following restocking, reintroduction and river defragmentation actions implemented during the LIFE projects. The two species showed a distinct movement behaviour and habitat selection. A. naccarii preferred to stay in pool, and it showed a tendency to have a landlocked behaviour, whereas H. huso did not show a clear habitat selection, and it always moved downstream, supporting the typical anadromous behaviour of this species. Both species benefited from river defragmentation interventions. These findings underscore the importance of habitat conservation/restoration and defragmentation measures for the long-term survival of sturgeon species.