Fish diversity of Haryana and its conservation status

Abstract

The present study on fish biodiversity of Haryana state was carried out during 2011 to 2014. A total number of 59 fish species inhabits the freshwaters of this state. Maximum number of fish species belonged to the order Cypriniformes (35) followed by the order Siluriformes (12) and Perciformes (8). The orders Beloniformes,Clupeiformes, Osteoglossiformes and Synbranchiformes were represented by only one species each. Out of 59 fish species, 2 are endangered, 11 vulnerable, 28 have lower risk of threat, 8 exotic and 4 fish species have lower risk least concern. The conservation status of six fish species has not been evaluated so far, hence they cannot be included in any of the IUCN categories at this moment. Family Cyprinidae alone contributed 32 fish species followed by Bagridae family. Fish species Parapsilorhynchus discophorus was observed for the first time in Haryana waters. This species is the native of Kaveri river basin, the occurrence of this species in river Yamuna may be attributed to some religious activity of people. A decline in fish diversity has been recorded from 82 species in 2004 to 59 species in the present study in the year 2014. The main causes for decrease in fish biodiversity are habitat destruction and fragmentation, changing practices of land use, exotic species introduction, fishing, irrigation needs, pollution and global climate change impacts. It is essential to prevent further decline of fish resources by devising all possible measures of conservation and rehabilitation.