Diversity Distribution and Conservation Status of Freshwater Fishes

Tropical Asian rivers are highly undertstudied ecological systems. One of the most important taxa for the stability of these ecosystems are freshwater fishes. This study was undertaken to bridge the existing information gap of the population status of riverine fishes in the Western Himalaya. The main objectives were i) to understand the current distribution of fishes ii) to document patterns of fish diversity, and iii) to assess the conservation status of these fishes in the three tributaries of river Ramganga. Results show that Ramganga tributaries have 43 species belonging to five orders and nine families. River Mandal was richest in fish diversity than Kolhu and Khoh respectively. Fifteen species were found to be common across the three tributaries and among them 'Barilius barila', 'Garra gotyla' and endangered 'Tor putitora' were dominant. Sixty three percent of the fishes were found to be threatened. The region was also found to face many anthropogenic threats such as illegal fishing, sand and boulder mining that can further endanger many riverine fish species. To halt these threats, public awareness and immediate conservation prioritization of these rivers is essential.