Northeast Desk, 10th May: A new species of catfish, Glyptothorax punyabratai, has been identified in the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, located in Lucknow. This species was found in the Tung Stream, a small tributary of the Tissa River, within the Brahmaputra River basin. The discovery, published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, showcases the importance of exploring previously uncharted regions for biodiversity research and conservation.
The holotype and paratype specimens of this new catfish species are now housed at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of the ICAR-NBFGR in Lucknow. Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, underscored the significance of venturing into remote areas, particularly in the northeastern regions, to uncover new fish species that hold potential for both utilization and conservation efforts.
The newly discovered species has been named in honor of Dr. Punyabarata Das, the founder director of ICAR-NBFGR, recognizing his significant contributions to fisheries research. Reacting to the discovery, Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized the state’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and the importance of continued exploration and conservation endeavors. Mein highlighted the critical role played by researchers at ICAR-NBFGR in shedding light on the hidden wonders of nature, reinforcing the imperative to safeguard our ecosystems and the rich diversity of life they harbor.
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