Mahseer in India: An overview on research status and future priorities.

Abstract

The population of mahseers are declining very fast in different parts of India due to indiscriminate fishing of brood stock and juveniles, fast degradation of aquatic ecosystems, construction of dams, barrages and weirs under river valley projects etc and therefore the species deserves high conservation values in India. To save this prized resource, effective conservation and rehabilitation strategies need to be planned and implemented in the country. This requires knowledge of current status of fish, declining trend, aquaculture potential and population structure in the wild habitats, which is yet not carryout comprehensively. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to review evolutionary history, present status and role of conservation biology for their conservation, sustainable utilization and enhancement. Based on the review, discussed potential promising plans, priorities and suggestions, which would help saving mighty mahseers across the country.