The world’s smallest sturgeon species, the Syr Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon, is found in muddy rivers flowing through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other parts of Central Asia. It tops out at a diminutive 9 inches long.
But the thing is, it hasn’t been seen in more than 60 years.
In this episode of the podcast, two of our scientists, Dr. Bernie Kuhajda and Dr. Dave Neely, and graduate student Christian Swartzbaugh discuss a recent trip they made to Uzbekistan as part of the Search for Lost Species. Their quest? To ascertain whether the Syr Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon is still around or if it has gone extinct.
From clandestine show-and-tells of preserved specimens in back alleys to adhesive catfish to self-destructing dirty diapers, this one’s got it all.
Episode Cast
- Casey Phillips, Senior Communications Specialist, host and Sturgeon stan
- Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, Aquatic Conservation Biologist
- Dr. Dave Neely, adjunct scientist
- Christian Swartzbaugh, graduate student, University of Georgia
Tune in to this episode below or check out more ways to listen on our Podcast Aquatic main page.
