Download Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Department of Zoology

Unmesh Katwate & Rupesh Raut
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Department of Zoology, Elphinstone College, Mumbai
Project context
 Western Ghats harbor 65% endemic freshwater fish species of the total
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290 species (Dahanukar et. al. 2011).
As per Molur et. al. 2011, 50% of fish fauna is threatened.
Poor knowledge of taxonomy, ecology, distribution and population
status are major impediments in designing conservation strategies
(Molur et. al. 2011).
Description of several new species in past years (Bhoite et al. 2012, Britz
et al. 2012a, Britz et al. 2012b, Krishnakumar et al. 2011).
Rivers of northern Western Ghats are relatively less explored.
Present proposal aims to systematically asses status of freshwater fishes
in 6 west flowing rivers of Sahyadri- Konkan corridor in Raigad District
(17051’–19080’N & 72051’–73040’E).
Project objectives
 To Fill gaps in knowledge on diversity and distribution of
freshwater fishes in the Sahyadri-Konkan corridor.
 To map the distribution of threatened fish species, their
critical habitats and prioritising important freshwater areas
for conservation.
 To involve local communities in field surveys, education and
conservation and thereby build local capacity for long
term conservation.
 To estimate impact of anthropogenic stressors on the fish
fauna of the region.
Contributions towards CEPF investment strategy
 Proposed project directly relevant to the
Strategic Direction 2 of the Ecosystem
Profile .
 Specifically relates to Investment Priority
2.1.
 The primary research (field work) to assess
the diversity, distribution and population of
freshwater fishes will be carried out in the
Sahyadri- Konkan Corridors of Raigad
District in Northern Western Ghats.
 The research will take place in 6 river
systems of Raigad District, of which certain
areas cover part of CEPF investment
priority site like Koyna Wildlife
Sanctuary within the Sahyadri-Konkan
Corridor, identified in the Western Ghats
Ecosystem Profile.
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
Study sites (R1, R2, R3…..R6)
CEPF IP sites
Proposed Activities
 June 2013- January 2015
 Field surveys divided in 3 phases, each have 6 months
 I- Mandad & Savitri, II- Amba & Kundalika, III- Patalganga & Bhogawati
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hydro basins
Sampling site selection- altitude, stream order & microhabitat
Capacity building
Non-invasive fishing surveys (Diurnal & nocturnal)
Species identification- wherever possible in the field and released back in
the same habitat.
Potentially new and those falling within cryptic species complex will be
preserved and transferred to the laboratory for further study.
Biological and physical habitat parameters estimation.
Data analysis, mapping of critical fish habitats based on species diversity,
distribution, endemism, global threat status, occurrence of anthropogenic
stressors, extant population of threatened species and spread of alien fish
species.
Community involvement
 Tribal communities- Katkari & Thakar
 Katkari- Mostly depend on fishing and forest resources
 Tribal involvement in field surveys and other education activities
 Daily fishing efforts of local fishermen across study areas will also
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considered as valid fishing attempt.
Secondary data collection through questionnaires.
Awareness and education campaigns regarding freshwater fish
conservation will also be carried out at schools and fishing
community settlements
Community participants like field assistants will be benefited by
daily wedges.
Exotic species catch will be removed completely and will be
handed over to local people for consumption.
Impacts envisaged
 Baseline information on the diversity and distribution of
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freshwater fishes in rivers of the Konkan region within
the Sahyadri-Konkan Corridor.
Improved knowledge and understanding of the
distribution pattern of freshwater fish species with
respect to various environmental factors.
Identification and prioritisation of threatened species as
well as critical habitats for long term conservation
action, including updating IUCN Red List of threatened
species.
Traditional knowledge of local fishing communities and
its application in setting conservation priorities.
Network establishment and strengthening community
involvement through workshops and institutional
collaborations with IUCN- ZOO and ATREE.
Linkages to other CEPF projects Conservation of Critical Freshwater Fish Habitats in
the Southern Western Ghats- Navdarsan Public Charitable
Trust- AZE Site approach
 Western Ghats Portal: Towards Consolidation and
Sustainability- French Institute of Pondicherry
Thank You