Guwahati, 6th March: The northeastern river systems of India boast a diverse array of fish species, totaling 435, within the expansive catchment areas of the Brahmaputra, Barak-Surma-Meghna, and Chindwin rivers. Among these, 427 are indigenous, highlighting the region’s rich aquatic biodiversity.
Scientists in the northeastern Indian states are embarking on a study to evaluate the vulnerability of three fish species to climate change and develop effective conservation strategies. The selected species include the tyre track eel (Mastacembelus armatus), snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii), and tor mahseer (Tor tor).
Yumnam Lokeshwor Singh, an associate professor in the zoology department at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), explained that the selection criteria for these species were based on their distribution and adaptability to water temperature. This study aims to serve as a benchmark for understanding the potential impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems.
By assessing the responses of these species to changing environmental conditions, researchers hope to formulate conservation plans and identify suitable habitats for fish in Northeast India. Lokeshwor, a key figure in fish discovery and conservation efforts in the region, warned of the looming threats posed by shifting habitats, dwindling water sources, pollution, and other adverse effects of climate change on fish populations in the Himalayan regions.
Through proactive research and conservation measures, scientists aim to safeguard the diverse fish species inhabiting the northeastern river systems, ensuring their resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
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