Epilogue

Abstract

It is not usual for a factual publication like this to be concluded by a special epilogue. We have decided, however, to make an exception to this rule. The reason is that we wish to take advantage of this opportunity to underline the fact that, regardless of the vast range inhabited, Eurasian huchen is among species acutely endangered with extinction. In this connection we must re-affirm the statement of Kasecker (1970) that no other fish species has been decimated by man to such extent as the huchen. The situation of the nominate form, the huchen, is especially critical. Its present range is broken into short sections of individual streams and it is suffering from ever increasing civilization pressure. The fact that the huchen has not disappeared altogether should be attributed to its admirable ecological adaptability rather than to deliberate endeavours to save it, although the latter should in no way be underestimated.