Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF THEFISHES IN THE TROPICAL WETLAND OF BUNDELKHAND REGION,INDIA

V. R. Thakur, A. Alam1, D.N. Jha, J. Kumar, R.S. Shrivastava, B.K. Bhattacharjya and B.K. Das

Abstract

The loni wetland is an important habitat for the different fishes such as IMC, Catfishes, Notopterus andother small indigenous fishes. The evaluation of conservation status of fish diversity will depict a picture ofwetland ecosystem for sustainable production, ecosystem health and enhanced productivity ultimatelyaddressing the social issues like livelihood, malnutrition and food security. Seasonal sampling was done,i.e. pre-monsoon; Monsoon and post-monsoon during 2018-2020 and collected fish samples from loni wetlandby using cast and drag nets. Fishes were brought to the laboratory after preserving in 5% formalin forfurther detailed identification. The diversity indices were calculated and assed the conservation status offishes. In the present investigation a total of 32 fish species, representing 24 genera, 7 orders, and 13 familieswere recorded for the first time. Order Cypriniformes (47%) contributed significantly among all followedby Perciformes (25%), Siluriformes (13%), Clupeiformes (6%), Beloniformes (3%), Mastacembeleformes (3%)and Osteoglossiformes (3%). The maximum fish diversity was observed in monsoon season (H’=3.001) ascompared with pre monsoon (H’= 2.918) & Post Monsoon (H’= 2.866).Out of 32 species there are 29 underLeast Concern (LC), 2 under Near Threatened (NT), 1 underVulnerable (VU)category.