Assessing the Diversity of Migratory Fishes in the Shivnath River, Chhattisgarh, India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 45 51
    By

    Saman Siddiqui,

  • Luv Kumar Verma,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The Shivnath River, a major tributary of the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh, India, is home to various migratory fish species. These fish are vital to the river’s ecosystem and provide important sources of income and food for local communities. This study looks at the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of these migratory fish species in the Shivnath River. Through extensive field surveys, researchers identified 10 migratory fish species in the river, including well-known species like Tenualosa ilisha (Hilsa), Tor putitora (Golden Mahseer), Labeo rohita (Rohu), and Catla catla (Catla). The distribution of these species was not uniform across the river. Midstream sections of the river had the highest diversity, due to the favorable environmental conditions, such as good water quality, moderate water temperature, and appropriate oxygen levels. In contrast, the upstream and downstream sections had fewer species, with upstream areas being more suited to cold-water species and the downstream regions home to species that prefer warmer, slower-moving waters. Several environmental factors were found to play a key role in the distribution of these species. Water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen levels, and river flow were the most important factors. However, human activities like pollution, the construction of dams, and overfishing pose significant threats to the fish populations. These activities disrupt migration patterns, reduce water quality, and contribute to the decline of fish species in the river. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management practices to protect these fish species. Recommendations include improving water quality, restoring natural river flow, and addressing the impact of man-made barriers like dams. These conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of migratory fish in the Shivnath River and to protect the livelihoods of local communities that depend on them.

Keywords: Migratory fishes, species diversity, Shivnath River, freshwater ecology, conservation, Chhattisgarh

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology ]

How to cite this article:
Saman Siddiqui, Luv Kumar Verma. Assessing the Diversity of Migratory Fishes in the Shivnath River, Chhattisgarh, India. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2024; 14(01):45-51.
How to cite this URL:
Saman Siddiqui, Luv Kumar Verma. Assessing the Diversity of Migratory Fishes in the Shivnath River, Chhattisgarh, India. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2024; 14(01):45-51. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoe/article=2024/view=185610


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 18/10/2024
Accepted 22/11/2024
Published 26/11/2024
Publication Time 39 Days
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