Trichogenes claviger is a catfish endemic to the Atlantic Forest and headwaters of the Itapemirim River, in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil. It inhabits clear streams of small fluvial order and is categorized as Critically Endangered on the Brazilian and IUCN Red Lists. After its discovery and description in 2010, attempts to locate new populations, including in the neighbouring State Parks of Forno Grande and Pedra Azul, were unsuccessful. But 9 years after its description, the catfish was found in another locality, c. 4 km from the type locality (V. Reis, pers. obs., 2019).
The type locality of T. claviger is important for species conservation, hosting the rare Data Deficient frog Brachycephalus alipioi and the Critically Endangered cherry-throated tanager Nemosia rourei. In 2021, this area became the Private Natural Heritage Reserve (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural) Mata de Kaetés, managed by the Saíra-apunhalada project. The tanager serves as a flagship species, ensuring habitat protection for local biodiversity.
After partnering with the Saíra-apunhalada project, the previously anonymous fish became known to the local community. Since then, five individuals have been collected in the Reserve, and incorporated into a scientific collection. Later observations, at another location within the Reserve, revealed dozens of juveniles and adults. Then, in May 2023, a local farmer reported the presence of T. claviger in an additional location, 5 km from the type locality. In a visit, we verified that the location harbours hundreds of individuals and is a nursery for the species.
Trichogenes claviger, a catfish endemic to the Atlantic forest and headwaters of the Itapemirim River, in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil.
With these new records we can now define the extent of occurrence of the species, which is 8,883 km2, and revise the area of occupancy (previously 8 km2 on the IUCN Red List and now 16 km2). These records reinforce the crucial role of conservation units and their surrounding areas for species conservation. They also highlight the importance of mapping threatened populations and engaging local communities in wildlife observation and conservation.
JPS thanks FUNBIO and The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund for funding, as well as a scholarship provided by Fundação de Assistência e Previdência Social (process #179/2021). LT and JF thank Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (PCI-process #302136/2022-3; #313524/2022-0).
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