Marcusenius livingstonii (Boulenger, 1899)

Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Version

2010

Bills, R., Engelbrecht, J. & Vreven, E.

Snoeks, J., Tweddle, D., Getahun, A., Laly, P., Paugy, D., Zaiss, R., Fishar, M.R.A & Brooks, E.

Although there has been a local decline in the sub-population in the Kidatu and Mtera dams and no where is it particularly common, the species is widespread with no known immediate threats to the main population, and no indication of declines or fluctuations. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern. It is also categorized as Least Concern for eastern and southern Africa regional assessments.

The Rovuma system is heavily fished by artisanal gill net fishermen. Braids and pools in the Rovuma system are also poisoned with traditional plant poisons. Elsewhere, this species is suffering negative impacts from commercial and illegal overfishing, pollution and siltation of the waterways, and habitat degradation from deforestation and agricultural encroachment.

A better understanding of this species ecological range and population numbers is required. Taxonomic studies are needed to determine if Malawi and Rovuma populations are in fact the same species. Levels of exploitation and the impacts of this needs to be studied.