Fishes in Beijing and Adjacent Areas, China [Chinese]

About this book

Language: Chinese with English and scientific nomenclature

The data in this book come from three sources: 1). Historical literature and research sources related to the fish living in Beijing and adjacent areas: the earliest work dating back to 1855;  2). Fish specimens preserved in the National Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences: 12,641 specimens records were collected for this book. The earliest collection record dating back to 1929; 3). Field surveys conducted since 2000 in natural or semi-natural water bodies such as rivers and reservoirs in Beijing and the adjacent areas including Chicheng, Xinglong, Fengning, Sanhe, Xianghe, Jixian, Langfang, Gu'an, Zhuozhou, and Huailai Counties in Hebei Province. The authos collected thousands of fish specimens during the field surveys. Parts of specimens and samples have been preserved in the National Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, and part of them have been applied in the studies of fish biology.

The book consists of a general review and a species part. In the general review, history and status of fish resources were reviewed. There were at least 85 fish species distributed in Beijing and its adjacent regions in the past. However, species diversity and population numbers have sharply decreased since. Almost half of the fish species have disappeared or have been very difficult to collect in the area. Fish communities and resources are degrading as well. Threats to fish diversity were thoroughly analyzed in this book. Human activities including dam construction, habitat degradation, and water pollution are the primary drivers of the decline. Suggestions are put forward for the conservation and recovery of fish resources.

In the species part, descriptions of each species, whether absent of extant in the region, are given, including the Chinese name, scientific name, classification, English name, local name, threat category, diagnosis, life habit, economic value, distribution, and resource status. Photos of live fish or specimens, as well as habitats are included.

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