Present status, abundance and threats of fish diversity on ramsar site (East Kolkata Wetlands) of West Bengal, India.

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the water bodies of East Kolkata Wetlands to generate a primary database on fish diversity of West Bengal, India. 71 indigenous fish species belonging to 27 families were identified. The family Cyprinidae represented the largest diversity accommodating 14 genera and 23 species. According to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Plan), the conservation status of the fishes are listed as 1 (1%) species as Critically Endangered, 4(6%) species as Endangered, 16 (22%) species as Vulnerable, 21 (30%) species as at Lower Risk Near Threatened, 21 (30%) species as Lower Risk Least Concerned, 1(1%) species as Data Deficient and 7 (10 %) species as Not Evaluated. About 59% fish species are near threats, vulnerable and endangered in this region. Among the fish diversity of East Kolkata Wetlands58 species were indigenous species and 13 species were exotic. It is concluded, that anthropogenic pressure arising out of alterations of wetland habitats to agricultural lands, habitat destruction, over exploitation, wanton destruction, aquatic pollution, disease, exotic species introduce and overall lack of awareness of biodiversity importance, absence of proper policy are contributing much to such alarming vulnerability of the rich fish diversity in their natural habitat. Awareness programmes amongst the fisherman, strict ban on dividing of big-water bodies into fragmented small ponds, repeated drying of maturation pond, loss of natural breeding ground for endangered species, use of insecticides and pesticides in ponds to control unwanted species.