Distribution, threats and conservation status of <i>Hypselobarbus thomassi</i> (Day, 1874), a poorly known cyprinid fish of the Western Ghats freshwater ecoregion

Abstract

The Red Canarese Barb, Hypselobarbus thomassi (Day, 1874) is an endemic cyprinid fish of the rivers of the Western Ghats of India, which has been listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Like many of its congeners, H. thomassi is poorly known with very few verified records and voucher specimens in the past decades. Based on fresh materials collected from three west flowing rivers of Kerala, we provide information on its identity, distribution, phylogenetic position, threats and conservation. An updated conservation assessment of this species following the IUCN Red List criteria is also provided.