Introduction
From the twentith century onward, with the growth of the human
population especially human trade and travel, natural barriers such as
mountains, oceans, deserts and rivers, that allowed the intricate
coevolution of species and the development of unique ecosystems have
been breached (Vitule et al., 2019; Abdoli et al., 2022).
One of the important current worldwide biodiversity crises is non-native
organisms and biological invasions that have been characterized by an
unprecedented rate of species loss (McGeoch and Jetz, 2019; Padial et
al., 2020). In fact, these species potentially also impose a huge cost
on forestry, fisheries, agriculture and other human enterprises, as well
as on human health (Taylor, 2002; Cambray, 2003; Ricciardi & Kipp,
2008).
It documented that among all types of ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems
are damaged more than others by economic and environmental impacts from
non-native and invasive species (Mills et al., 2003), as the intensity
of human activity has been positively related to the number of
non-native fish species (Leprieur et al., 2008).
To date, in Iran 25 invasive freshwater fish species that belong to 10
orders and 14 families have been reported (Abdoli, 2022).Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) is the only sawbelly
that belongs to the hemicultrine group(middle-sized cyprinids) and is
one of the non-native freshwater fish that the first time was reported
from the Anzali wetland in Iran (1967 ) (see also Holčík and Razavi,
1992; Kiabi et al., 1999; Abdoli, 2000; Jolodar & Abdoli, 2004; Coad,
2010). The main origin range of this species is from far eastern region
of Russia through China to Korea and Vietnam and it has been assumed
been introduced into Iran by accident along with commercial shipments of
Chinese (Abdoli, 2000; Mustafayev et al., 2015; Nitta et al., 2017).
The history of the introduction of H. leucisculus to inland
waters of Iran about 20 years after the report showed that the species
like most other exotic species have sharply been distributed in other
catchments area (Abdoli 2016; Rezamand & Patimar, 2017). Due to its
characteristics such as high reproductive capacity, rapid sexual
maturity, short life cycle and resistance to various environmental
conditions, it can become invasive in the environments where it has been
introduced (coad, 2020). Indeed, H. leucisculus will easily be
able to change its type of food during food competition with other fish
(Coad & Hussain, 2007; Abdoli et al., 2022).
Therefore, having the ability to predict the results of the introduction
of a non-native fish species and having the correct tools for its
management is so essential (Bagheri et al., 2016; Khosravi et al.,
2020).
The lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the distribution and
origin of H. leucisculus in Iran requires detailed investigations
with wide sampling using cutting-edge approaches. Hence, due to being
non-native to H. leucisculus , it could important to study the
genetic background. Recent advances in molecular biology quickened the
development of effective DNA-based methods that could be used in the
detection and monitoring of alien fish species (Chen et al., 2017).
Using the phylogeny method is the best tool to identify the introduced
species in Iran by molecular analyses, and discover the origin of the
introduced H. leucisculus in Iran. In addition, using the
simulated present and future Spatio-temporal predictions such as Species
Distribution Models (SDMs) of non-native species can help diagnose the
impact of climate change on the non-native species in freshwater
ecosystems and how to predict their distribution for better management.
Although some authors have documented the H. leucisculus (Holčík
and Razavi 1992; Kiabi et al., 1999; Abdoli, 2000; Patimar et al., 2008;
coad 2010; Esmaeili(a) et al., 2011; Zareian et al., 2015; Radkhah and
Eagderi, 2015; Radkhah et al., 2016; Rezamand and Patimar, 2017;
Mousavi-sabet et al., 2019; Abdoli et al., 2022), no study to date
integrating molecular phylogeny and SDMs to discover the origin and
predict of climate change of H. Leuciscus in Iran.
To do so, the aim and specific objectives of this study are to (a) find
out the origin and distribution of the H. leucisculus , (b)
identify haplotypes and genetic diversity of H. leucisculus in
Iran and (c) predict potential H. leucisculus distribution based
on climate change scenarios.