Evaluation of fish biodiversity in rivers of three districts of eastern Himalayan region for conservation and sustainability
Evaluation of fish biodiversity in rivers of three districts of eastern Himalayan region for conservation and sustainability
Author(s)
Arpita Dey, Kripan Sarkar, Sudip Barat
Abstract
The present study was conducted in the Eastern Himalayan region to generate a primary database on ichthyofauna diversity of seven rivers in three districts (Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar) of West Bengal, India. Out of the seven rivers, five rivers originate from Bhutan ghat hills, and the other two rivers the Teesta, originates from North Sikkim and river Karala from Jalpaiguri. 141 indigenous fish species belonging to 31 families were identified. The family Cyprinidae represented the largest diversity accommodating 21 genera and 46 species. Amongst all the fishes, 99 species have ornamental value and 87 species the food value. Ornamental fishes are dominant over the food fishes and carnivorous fishes are dominant over the omnivorous and herbivorous fishes. According to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature ) and CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Plan), the conservation status of the fishes are listed as 1 (1%) species as Critically Endangered, 12 (8%) species as Endangered, 33 (23%) species as Vulnerable, 17 (12%) species as at Lower Risk Near Threatened, 66 (47%) species as Lower Risk Least Concerned,8 (6%) species as Data Deficient and 4 (3%) species as Not Evaluated. About 44% fish species are near threats, vulnerable and endangered in this region. 20 endemic species are present in this region. It is concluded, that anthropogenic pressure arising out of agricultural run offs, high population growth, construction of highways, roads, bridges and dams, destruction of riparian vegetation and watershed forest cover, denudation causing high siltation, boulder and sand lifting, landslides, rampant fishing, disposal of untreated sewages, indiscriminatory use of fishing with new fishing technologies may cause the decline of the fish diversity. The conservation of ichthyodiversity is important for sustainable livelihood of fishermen and also essential for socio- economic development of the country.
How to cite this article:
Arpita Dey, Kripan Sarkar, Sudip Barat. Evaluation of fish biodiversity in rivers of three districts of eastern Himalayan region for conservation and sustainability. Int J Appl Res 2015;1(9):424-435.