Conservation genetics of freshwater fishes with special emphasis on Northern Adriatic Salmonids

The world is facing its sixth extinction crisis with freshwater fish species being particularly endangered. Thereby, the emerging scientific field of conservation genetics is applying molecular genetics tools to study patterns and processes characterising endangered taxa. In detail, conservation genetics are used to (i) detect and reduce extinction risk, (ii) identify and prioritise populations for conservation, (iii) define management units, (iv) resolve taxonomic problems, (v) control invasive taxa and (vi) measure anthropogenic introgression. This review provides a general introduction to conservation genetics, itemises and describes concerning topics and themes and outlines most prominent molecular techniques used in conservation biology. In addition, recent scientific projects of conservation genetic content and focusing on endangered Northern Adriatic salmonids are introduced. Finally, perspectives for future conservation genetic endeavours with special emphasis on the Northern Adriatic region are proposed.