“Basic systematic data are important for conservation; without detailed surveys and accurate taxonomy, it is impossible to identify the various species and evaluate their real conservation status, it is impossible to properly manage their fisheries, it is impossible to evaluate the conservation value of various habitats or areas, it is impossible to establish strategies and it is impossible to set priorities. Without accurate names, it is impossible to list species as endangered or threatened and to take conservation status.” (Maurice Kottelat, Biologia, 1997, 52/Suppl., p. 4)

These thoughts are the main guidance for our work and we always tend to operate in a light of this perspective.

Because the taxonomic status or entity of several groups of trout we are working on is not ascertained, we generally avoid using terms “species” or “subspecies” and rather use less determined word “taxon”.