Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Species Richness of Lower Anicut Reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India: Recommendations and Conservation Action

International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology

Sivakumar R1*, Mathialagan R2, Chandrasekar S3 and Rajasekaran N2

1Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), India Research Article 2Department of Life Science, MASS College of Arts & Science, India Volume 1 Issue 2 Received Date: June 15, 2018 3Department of Zoology, V. O. Chidambaram College, India Published Date: June 22, 2018

*Corresponding author: PG and Research Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam-612 002, Tamil Nadu, India, Tel: +0435-2442149; +91 94433 32332; Fax: +0435-2442977; Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Ichthyofaunal diversity and species richness of Lower Anicut reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India: Recommendations and Conservation Action. Faunal biodiversity is an essential for stabilization of an ecosystem, protection of overall environmental quality for understanding intrinsic worth of all species on the earth. Ichthyo-biodiversity mainly focused to variety of species richness depending upon circumstance and scale it could refer alleles or genotypes within species of life. The sampling point a branch of Cauvery, specifically Kollidam (Coleroon) river, Lower Anicut was selected for the present work carried out. Species identification was followed by colour patterns of body, fins, measurements and counts were clearly observed. Additionally, the results of high-resolution image were used to extrapolate and assess the morphological identification. Species richness and availability was categorized as TY (Throughout Year), TYLQ (Throughout Year in Little Quantity), TYBQ (Throughout Year in Bulk Quantity), SQM (Small Quantity during Monsoon), BQM (Bulk Quantity during Monsoon), R (rare), ER (Extremely Rare) and NE (Not Evaluated). Following, the objectives and importance of this study to required and updated the information about diversity of fishes and its conservation through survey of sampling, fisher folk, fish researchers, government personnel and experienced persons in relation to fisheries sectors. The assessment and documentation of the Ichthyo diversity and species richness in Lower Anicut reservoir, Tamil Nadu thereby to evaluate the conservation status of species, taking into reflection in riverine health and making the people more aware about local environment and its conservation for their existence.

Keywords: Ichthyodiversity; Species richness; Taxonomy; Species identification; Classification of species and Conservation

Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Species Richness of Lower Anicut Reservoir, Tamil Nadu, India: Recommendations and Conservation Action Int J Zoo Animal Biol 2 International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology

Abbreviations: TY: Throughout Year; TYLQ: crucial parts of their life-support systems to providing Throughout Year in Little Quantity; TYBQ: Throughout nursery grounds and feeding areas [6]. Additionally, Year in Bulk Quantity; SQM: Small Quantity during species diversity is a property at population level while; Monsoon; BQM: Bulk Quantity during Monsoon; R: rare; the functional diversity concept is more strongly related ER: Extremely Rare; NE: Not Evaluated; LC: Least to ecosystem stability, stress, physical and chemical Concern; NT: Threatened Category; SQM: Small Quantity factors to determining population dynamics in lentic during Monsoon; DD: Data Deficient; LRNT: Lower Risk ecosystem. Besides, the various organisms including the near Threatened; ER: Extremely Rare; EN: Endangered. types of planktons play a momentous role in the dynamics of ecosystem [7]. So far, around 750 species of freshwater Introduction fish taxa have been recorded in India whereas, out of 350 taxa have been estimated as an endemic in Western Ghats Freshwater ecosystems have distinctive properties [8] which encompass 85 endemic and 15 taxa in adjacent both underpin and challenges for many key tenets of areas. Similarly, the river of Cauvery is one of the major conservation biogeography. Freshwater fishes to bionetwork systems and also is a foremost habitat of the exemplify this phenomenon, good health, high diversity richest freshwater fish fauna in Tamil Nadu, India. As well, and endemism stem were largely from the fact that the one of the main tributary namely Kollidam (Coleroon) freshwaters are embedded within a terrestrial landscape river, Lower Anicut is the prominent freshwater fishery that limits to dispersal within and among riverine basins. resource and it play an important role in energy flow, It may be broadly defines as the variety and variability cycling of nutrients and maintaining bio-community among living organisms and ecological complexes in balance in an ecosystem. Further, the fast flowing river which they occur. These factors underlie an interesting has been an excellent habitat and environment enabling observation such as regional to global scales, the most to evolution of richest fish diversity. Hitherto, this river is fishes were occupied only a fraction of the localities believed to be an important feeding and spawning ground where they might it and otherwise to thrive [1]. In and conserve a variety of species which support to the addition, this constrained riverine habitat is at least commercial fisheries in throughout year. Thus, fishes partially responsible for the fantastic diversity of occupy a remarkable position from socio-economical freshwater fishes around the world [2]. Specifically one of point of view for fisher folk. As a result, the river was also author [3] were strongly quoted that the river has a supports livelihood and nutritional security for the above varied population of important indigenous species of fish said people living alongside Mathialagan, et al. 2014). which form the basis for a fairly rich fishery. Besides, the Some, recent studies on biodiversity loss and its faunal diversity is an essential for stabilization of implications for ecosystem services have uncovered and ecosystem, protection of overall environmental quality, unprecedented species extinctions at global and regional for understanding intrinsic worth of all species on the levels [9]. Though, the freshwater diversity has declined earth. Ichthyodiversity mainly focused to variety of faster than either terrestrial or marine over past three species richness depending upon circumstance and scale decades [10]. During the last century, riverine ecosystems it could refer alleles or genotypes within population to have suffered from intense human intervention as a species of life or within a fish community to species or life resulting in loss of habitat, degradation and as a structure across the aquatic system [4]. It is a vital tool to consequence of many species have become highly develop our knowledge and understanding the endangered, particularly in rivers where is heavy demand biodiversity often the first footstep to embark on effectual is placed on freshwater bionetwork. Likewise, freshwater conservation action. In addition, the information is also a fish are one of the most threatened taxonomic groups [11] fundamental assess to changes in species composition and because it their high sensitivity both quantitative and distribution [5]. The species diversity of an ecosystem is qualitative alteration of aquatic habits [12,13]. At the habitually related to the amount of living and non-living present time, fish diversity and management is linked to organic matter present in it. On the other hand, obvious habitats, in addition conservational view of aquatic species diversity depends upon the characteristics of a diversity has gained great ecological magnitude over single ecosystem than on the interactions between recent years [14]. As well, habitat isolation and dispersal ecosystems, i.e. transport of living animals across the limitation that have been generated high in freshwater different gradient region. Further, the effect of such fish diversity and also can increase the risk of species transport is an important 'information' exchange to extinction. Freshwaters are subjected to panoply of enhancing the diversity richness. In view of, the genetic anthropogenic threats, including habitat loss and fall to imprint for various populations of lentic fish species is pieces, hydrologic modification, climate flexibility, over- essential since the freshwater bionetwork constitute

Sivakumar R, et al. Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Species Richness of Lower Anicut Reservoir, Tamil Copyright© Sivakumar R, et al. Nadu, India: Recommendations and Conservation Action. Int J Zoo Animal Biol 2018, 1(2): 000111.

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Figure 1: Map showing the geographical location of sampling area in Lower Anicut, Tamil Nadu.

exploitation, pollution and dispersal of invasive species morphological, biological and adaptive characters along [14]. According to Hossain, et al. [15] reported that most with their natural distribution is imperative to back up of the wild populations have seriously declined in rivers their optimum exploitation. In this context, it is aimed to and streams due to exploitation of sources and it assessment to fill in this gap and documentation of the augmented by various biological changes and alarming diversity and species richness in Lower Anicut reservoir, conditions of natural habitats. The important causes Tamil Nadu thereby to evaluating the conservation status behind the loss of biodiversity in freshwater were of species, taking into reflection in riverine health and dreadful nature and breakup of habitats, water making the people more aware about local environment abstraction, industries and private use, introduction of and its conservation for their existence. Moreover, to exotic species, pollution and global climate change compared the Ichthyofaunal diversification with that of impacts. For harnessing the aquatic resources, a scientific neighbouring rivers for zoogeographical point of view. As understanding of fish species with respect to their a result the physical, chemical and biological

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characteristics of this reservoir were gradually changing Identification of large fishes was done in the field itself and producing the harmful effect on aquatic biota and with the help of standard taxonomic field guide. Variety of thereby also harming by human beings. Hence, there is an fish samples in order to obtain more precise image of the important necessity for documentary records of each individual using digital camera (SAMSUNG-PL 20 Ichthyofaunal diversity particularly in the riverine with 6x level; Lens focal length: 4.9-24.5; mega pixel ecosystem. 16.2). Photographs were taken perpendicular to the subject were only used when the types of fins were fully Materials and Methods expanded nature. Additionally, the results of high- resolution image were used to extrapolate by Sampling Site morphological identification Mathialagan, et al. Subsequently, fish samples were fixed and preserved in A branch of Cauvery, specifically Kollidam (Coleroon) 5% formalin based on their size in separate jars. Smaller river, Lower Anicut was selected for the present study ones are placed in directly while; the larger ones were (Figure 1) which is located 11º 08' 03’’ N latitude and 79º preserved after giving a small incision on the abdomen 27’ 05” E longitude. Kollidam River (reservoir) flows from before it was fixed in formalin. west to east forming with northern boundary of this block

whereas Cauvery River at the central part of this blocks Species Identification flanking at Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu). The total catchment area of this reservoir is 29,693 square miles Identification of specimens was done by standard (sqm2) and capacity to store 150.13 MCFT of water to use reference materials [16-19]. Availability of fish species agricultural irrigation and fishing activities. This river were determined on the basis of their abundance during concerning 500 peoples are actively engaged in fishing sampling through interviewing of fishermen with activities the whole time year. They are operating cast net formerly prepared questionnaire. According to (7x7 mm), gill net (8x8 mm and 10x10 mm), hand net, Mosaddequr Rahman, et al. reported that the species cage traps, rod and line and using some pots for catching availability was categorized as TY (Throughout Year), fish through catamaran, thermacole raft teppam and four TYLQ (Throughout Year in Little Quantity), TYBQ wheeler rubber tubes (floating device) are also used as a (Throughout Year in Bulk Quantity), SQM (Small Quantity craft Mathialagan, et al. The reservoir is the main landing during Monsoon), BQM (Bulk Quantity during Monsoon), centre for fish fauna and also varieties of fin and shell R (rare), ER (Extremely Rare) and NE (Not Evaluated). As fishes, where the Tamil Nadu State Fisheries Department a result, the range of Standard Length (SL) attained by a has the sole authority for landing and marketing of fishes species (Table 1) and also number of species attaining the throughout the year. SL was estimated approximately during this study. The physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using Photographical Image Analysis methods as described in APHA (1998). Furthermore, the required data and information about diversity of fishes Ichthyologic survey was carried out during from were collected through survey of the fishers, fish farmers, October 2013 to September 2014. After that, collected fish researchers, government personnel and experienced fishes were labelled along with vernacular names with persons in related to fisheries sectors and available assistance local skilled fishermen and brought to the literatures. laboratory. Colour patterns of the body and fins were clearly observed for morphological identification.

Vernacular Name SL Max. Population IUCN Order Family Scientific Name (Tamil) Range (mm) Status Status Anguilla bengalensis (Gray Severe Aaara 279-338 NT 1831) Fragmented Anguilliformes Anguillidae Anguilla bicolar (McClelland Severe Vilaangu 721-1230 NT 1844) Declined Hyporhamphus xanthopterus Kokkurali, Kokku Near 118-150 VU (Valaenciennes 1847) Meenu Threatened Beloniformes Hemiramphidae Hyporhamphus limbatus Severe Kokkurali 231-350 LC (Valenciennes 1847) Fragmented Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton Oolam, Karuva ulam, Severe Clupeiformes Clupeidae 467-600 LC 1822) Sevva, Ullam Fragmented

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Ilisha novacula (Valenciennes Severe Pristigasteridae Naattu matti 287-320 LC 1847) Declined Thryssa dussumieri Severe Engraulidae Keela, Semporuva 83-110 NE (Valenciennes 1848) Fragmented Aara, Kal aara, Severe Mastacembelus armatus Vilaangu meenu, 740-900 Declined LC Synbranchiforme (Lacepede 1800) Mastacembelidae Chettu aara s Macrognathus guntheri (Day Vilaangu meenu, Aara Severe 119-299 LC 1865) Declined

Chenna valai, Severe Ambattan valai, Declined Notopterus notopterus (Pallas Ambattan kathi, 453-600 LC Osteoglossiforme 1769) Notopteridae Chotta valai, s Chappatti kendai,

Chitala chitala (Hamilton Critically Ambattan walah 970-1220 NT 1822) Declined Ambassis dussumieri (Cuvier Kannadi thattai, Severe 65-100 LC 1828) Thattai podi Fragmented Ambassidae Velicha podi, Severe Chanda nama (Hamilton 1822) 74-110 LC Kakkache Declined Setha kendai, Bommi, Etroplus maculatus (Bloch Severe Puradi, Salli kasu, 63-80 LC Perciformes 1795) Chellai, Boorakasu Declined Sella kasu, Setta Cichlidae Etroplus suratensis (Bloch Severe kendai 257-400 LC 1790) Puradi, Salladai podi Fragmented Oreochromis mossambicus Severe Jelebi kendai, Tilapi 234-380 NT (Peters 1852) Declined Gonorhynchiform Thullu kendai, Pal Severe Chanidae Chanos chanos (Forsskal 1775) 1123-1800 NE es kendai, Paalai meenu Fragmented Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus Madavai, Manalei, Severe Mugiliformes Mugilidae 567-1000 LC 1758) Kasi meenu Declined Kallu kendai, Kallu Critically Balitora brucei (Gray 1830) 86-105 NT Podi Threatened Kallu koravai, Aasara Near Balitoridae Balitora mysorensis (Hora) 43-55 VU Podi Threatened Ghatsa pillaii (Indra & Rema Severe Kevi kendai 53-75 LC Devi 1981) Declined Kanavi, Kora kendai, Thoppa kendai, Gibelion catla (Hamilton 1822) 1513-1882 Declined LC Yamaneri kendai, Cypriniformes Japan kendai Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus Sinai kendai, Near 974-1200 VU 1758) CC kendai Threatened Cyprinidae Kallu koravai, Kallu Garra mullya (Sykes 1839) 123-170 Declined LC kendai Garra gotyla stenorhynchus Kallotti meenu, Severe 130-155 LC (Jerdon 1849) Paarapadungi Fragmented Garra lissorhyncus (McClelland Severe Kallotti podi 62-94 LC 1842) Declined Nemacheilus monilis (Hora Severe Sunnambu podi 47-48 LC 1921) Declined

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Ctenopharyngodon idellus Severe Pullu kendai 965-1510 NE (Valaenciennes 1844) Declined Salmophasia acinaces Vell chaekendai, Severe 94-153 LC (Valaenciennes 1844) Vellachikendai Fragmented Salmophasia bacaila (Hamilton Near Salli podi 76-110 VU 1822) Threatened Salli kendai, Salli Near Salmophasia horai (Silas 1951) 81-103 VU Podi Threatened Barilius canarensis (Jerdon Chinna kanan, 133-157 Threatened EN 1849) Mattalai Laubuka laubuca (Hamilton Chinna parai, Mullu Severe 43-71 LC 1822) Parai Fragmented Devario devario (Hamilton Severe Pulli kendai 62-104 LC 1822) Declined Devario aequipinnatus Selai paravai, 67-143 Declined LC (McClelland 1839) Vannathipodi Kavuri kendai, Salli Severe Rasbora caverii (Jerdon 1849) 82-100 LC Podi Fragmented Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton Oovery kendai, Patta 87-150 Declined LC 1822) kanju, Purrovoo Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Peruthalai kendai, Severe 450-1460 DD (Richardson 1845) Thoppai kendai Declined Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton Severe Mirigal kendai 864-998 LC 1822) Declined Aranjan podi, Severe Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton Uruttam podi, 69-239 Declined LC 1822) Aranjan kendai

Cirrhinus cirrhosus (Bloch Venkendai, Near 640-1020 VU 1795) Pudukendai Threatened Cirrhinus fulungee (Sykes Uruttu kendai 278-310 Fragmented LRNT 1839) Puntius cauveriensis (Hora Saani podi, Salli podi 54-74 Threatened EN 1937) Puntius amphibeus Severe Kulla kendai 89-200 DD (Valaenciennes 1842) Fragmented Puntius sarana (Hamilton Pungella, Uruttu podi, Severe 322-420 LC 1822) Saani kendai Fragmented Puntius conchonius (Hamilton Mullu selli, 71-140 Declined LC 1822) Chenna kunni Puntius ticto (Hamilton 1822) Vennatii, Pulli kendai 59-100 Declined LC Kulla kendai, Severe Puntius sophore (Hamilton Kurunchelli, 65-134 Declined LRNT 1822) Mocha kendai

Puntius filamentosus Pungella kendai, DMK 120-180 Declined LC (Valaenciennes 1844) fish, Poovali kendai Hypselobarbus dubius (Day Kozhimeen, 540-610 Threatened EN 1867) Kozharinjan kendai Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822) Kannadi kendai 159-256 Declined LRNT Karupusel, Labeo calbasu ( Hamilton Severe Kakameenu 342-900 LRNT 1822) Selkendai, Threatened Labeo bata ( Hamilton 1822) Kolarinja kendai 310-620 Declined LC

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Severe Labeo ariza (Hamilton 1807) Kullarinjan 210-300 LC Declined Severe Labeo kontius (Jerdon 1849) Curumuli kendai 590-620 NE Declined Sel kendai, Severe Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch 1795) Gundumani sel 340-910 NE Declined kendai Hypothalmichthys molitrix Severe Velli kendai 745-1055 NT (Valaenciennes 1844) Fragmented Amblypharyngodon microlepis Near (Bleeker 1853) Oori kendai 84-100 LRNT Threatened

Amblypharyngodon mola Severe Oori kendai 171-203 LRNT (Hamilton 1822) Threatened Esomus thermoicos Meesai paravai, Near 97-127 LC (Valaenciennes 1842) Paravai meenu Threatened Esomus barbatus (Jerdon Meesai paravai 90-120 Declined LC 1849) Anabas testudineus (Bloch Anabantidae Panaiyeri Kendai 83-121 Threatened DD 1792) Channa marulius (Hamilton Puveral, Iru viral, Near 89-131 LRNT 1822) Coaree veralavuree Threatened

Near Channidae Channa punctata (Bloch 1793) Paara koravai 230-310 LC Threatened Near Channa striata (Bloch 1793) Karuppu viral, Viral 720-1000 LRNT Threatened Ulluvai, Kal uluvai, Severe Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton Gobiidae Nullatan, Karupu 420-500 LC 1822) Declined thalai kendai Manankanni, Aplocheilus lineatus Vaanampartha 91-110 Declined NE Cyprinodontifor (Valenciennes 1846) Aplocheilidae meenu mes Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton Killi meenu 82-97 Threatened NE 1822) Mystus armatus (Day 1865) Katta keluthi 89-145 Declined LC Mystus gulio (Hamilton 1822) Uppang keluthi 78-112 Declined LC Mystus cavasius (Hamilton Nai keluthi, 84-131 Declined LC Bagridae 1822) Vella keluthi Siluriformes Vella keluthi, Severe Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794) 67-118 LC Cutta keluthi, Declined Mystus bleekeri (Day 1877) Naattu Keluthi 90-141 Declined LC Neotropius atherinoides (Bloch Mandai keluthi, Severe Schilbeidae 53-69 LC 1794) Chellei meenu Fragmented Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch Savallai, Chota vaalai, Severe 74-89 NT 1794) Silaivalai Declined Siluridae Wallago attu (Bloch & Vazhai meenu 700-750 Declined LRNT Schneider 1801) Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus Thalmeen, Severe Clariidae 139-161 LC 1758) Thol keluthi Declined Table 1: Status of Ichthyodiversity in Kollidam (Coleroon) River, Lower Anicut, Tamil Nadu.

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Species Indicator Test and Justification Lower Anicut. The present work was mainly examined the residual species richness (D), Shannon–Wiener diversity Principles of identifying indicator species varied based (H′) and species evenness (J′) for each sampling site. on nature of the study and management objectives Residual richness, diversity and evenness were defined as Landres, et al. General requirements of this present work values derived for a given fish assemblage with potential comprise the following rank in order to importance of (a) species indicator. As a result, the t-test was measure up to specialization to habitat (b) well-known and firmness residual richness, species diversity and evenness between taxonomy (c) simply observable (d) well-known biology sites with and without potential indicator species. For and natural history (e) pattern of response reflected in each variable (richness, diversity and evenness), were other taxa (f) wide geographical range (g) and economical assessed by Levene’s test and adjusted to degrees of importance of species Noss, 1990. The specialization of freedom was used to test of significant (Quinn and the habitat was awful important for identifying the Keough, 2002). Finally, the percentage composition species indicator system. Further, species that are analyses against the number of families, genera, species specialized and it become more exceedingly rare with and number of individuals. difficult to sampling exclude them as of serving as viable

indicator to concerned species taxa Landres, et al. In the same way, species that are exceedingly common and do Results not provide the statistical necessities to test indicator The results were mainly focused on firstly the relationships since good quality of habitats where they descriptive statistical analysis to assess and compared to are absent are rare. The limitation of indicator tests to various sampling region of the fish species diversity in species that encompass the total diversity and number of (Table 3). Secondly, species richness were analyzed and sampling sites through this survey. So far, the majority of compared to sampling location was summarized in (Table species was feasible to provide the quality of habitat 4) and also were monitored fluctuate level of species specialization exceedingly rare or common (Wesner and richness was observed. The physico-chemical parameters Belk, 2012). The potential indicator species for the reason of water samples were analyzed and monitored in five that rare and threatened type of species can act as sampling sites have been given in (Table 5). Herein, all the functional surrogates, provided they are not exceedingly parameters were compared within the types of sampling specialized. Besides, the factors causing their turn down region. A total of 79 species under 11 orders and 21 are also the major reason in focus during recovery and families were recorded from Kollidam River, Lower restoration, are likely to contribute to differential Anicut during the study period (Tables 1 & 2). Based on distributions of co-occurring species Wiens, et al. The the species were analyzed by percentage of number of sampling area occurs in heavy livestock ranching, which individuals in each order and family. Following, family can indirectly modify river fish distribution through wise analysis of percentage composition the alteration of the riverine habitat, increased siltation, Cypriniformes was the most dominant order constituting channelization, loss of bank constancy, impaired water about 23.8% of the total fish population followed by the quality and increased the temperatures through removal Siluriformes 19.0%, Perciformes 14.3%, Clupeiformes of shading vegetation. Such habitat modification is 9.5%, Anguilliformes 4.8%, Beloniformes 4.8%, commonly associated with reduced distribution of stream Osteoglossiformes 4.8%, Gonorhynchiformes 4.8%, fishes. Mugiliformes 4.8%, Cyprinodontiformes 4.8% and

Synbranchiformes 4.8% were the least numerous order Statistical Analysis and also it constituting only 13 individuals of the total order of fish population (Figure 2). On the other hand, Statistical dataset analyses were consisted nearly four genera wise percentage composition analysis were sampling sites together water and fishes. Descriptive referred as the Cypriniformes was the most dominant statistical analyses were examined against seventy nine order concerning about 55.5% number of genera were species between various families. Bi-variate correlation occurred. Subsequently, Siluriformes 11.1%, Perciformes (Pearson Correlation) and multiple logistic or linear 8.9%, Clupeiformes 6.7%, Osteoglossiformes 4.4%, regression analysis were performed by SPSS, ver. 22.0 at Anguilliformes 2.2%, Beloniformes 2.2%, P<0.001% level of the significant. Identification of habitat Synbranchiformes 2.2%, Gonorhynchiformes 2.2%, variable was associated with diversity of potential Mugiliformes 2.2% and Cyprinodontiformes 2.2% were indicator species and common co-occurring native recorded. species. Following, the test value of using the species so as good indicators of fish diversity in the Kollidam River,

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Sl. No. Order Families Genera Species Number of individuals 1 Anguilliformes 1 1 2 15 2 Beloniformes 1 1 2 18 3 Clupeiformes 3 3 3 31 4 Synbranchiformes 1 1 2 13 5 Osteoglossiformes 1 2 2 14 6 Perciformes 2 4 5 43 7 Gonorhynchiformes 1 1 1 14 8 Mugiliformes 1 1 1 17 9 Cypriniformes 5 25 50 136 10 Cyprinodontiformes 1 1 2 16 11 Siluriformes 4 5 9 42 12 Total 21 45 79 359 Table 2: Updated checklists count some freshwater fishes in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

Sampling sites ‘N’ species Mean SD SE of Mean ‘N’ individuals Mean SD SE of Mean

LC – 1 33 0.46 0.019 0.008 142 0.43 0.023 0.013 LC - 2 21 0.29 0.015 0.006 105 0.33 0.021 0.011 LC - 3 17 0.24 0.013 0.005 78 0.24 0.018 0.009 LC – 4 8 0.19 0.011 0.004 34 0.09 0.013 0.007 Total 79 0.99 0.047 0.019 359 1 0.01 0.021

Table 3: Descriptive statistics for species diversity in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut. Landing Centre 1-Vadavar River, Landing Centre 2 - Lower Anicut Town, Landing Centre 3 – Upper Anicut Town, Landing Centre – 4 catching centre near Thenkatchi, N – Number, SD – Standard Deviation, SE – Standard Error.

Shannon-Wiener diversity index Richness (D) Species evenness (J′) SS NS NI (H′) Mean SE ‘r’ ‘r2’ P Mean SE ‘r’ ‘r2’ P Mean SE ‘r’ ‘r2’ P

LC - 1 33 142 35.5 4.34 0.963** 1 0.09 13 2.7 0.912** 0.842 0.138 7.45 1.8 0.803** 0.8 0.089

LC - 2 21 105 26.3 3.63 0.942** 1 0.05 9.5 1.6 0.876** 0.809 0.093 4.32 0.8 0.787** 0.7 0.031

LC - 3 19 78 19.5 2.75 0.909** 1 0.03 5.6 0.9 0.811** 0.752 0.021 1.49 0.5 0.651** 0.6 <0.009

LC - 4 8 34 8.31 0.45 0.883** 1 0.01 3.8 0.6 0.781** 0.713 <0.006 0.74 0 0.614** 0.6 <0.003

Table 4: Summary statistics for tests of species diversity indicators in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut. SS – Sampling Sites; NS – Number of Species; NI – Number of Individuals; SE – Standard Error; r – Correlation Co-efficient; r2 – Regression Co- efficient; **Correlation is significant at the P<0.001; P – Probability.

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Range of analytical Percentage point of Sl. No. Parameter Mean SD values parameter analysis 5% 10%

1 Water temperature (°C) 21.7-32.0 26.8 1.79 0.18 0.36 2 Water transparency (cm) 39.5-80.5 59.7 3.59 0.08 0.16 3 PH 6.2-8.7 7.45 0.76 0.67 1.34 4 Electrical Conductivity (mS/cm) 0.16-0.29 0.23 0.018 21.73 43.4 5 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 4.7-8.8 6.51 0.59 0.76 1.53 6 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L) 7.3-9.6 8.45 0.73 0.59 1.18 7 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L) 4.2-7.2 5.71 0.52 0.87 1.75 8 Total Hardness (mg/L) 23.5-130.5 77.3 5.37 0.06 0.12 9 Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 32.0-85.3 58.6 4.13 0.08 0.16 10 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 7.5-11.9 9.73 0.81 0.51 1.02 11 Dissolved organic matter (mg/L) 2.25-7.80 5.03 0.33 0.99 1.98 12 Free Carbon dioxide (mg/L) 2.3-8.7 5.52 0.38 0.9 1.8 13 Calcium (mg/L) 7.5-23.5 15.5 1.57 0.32 0.64 14 Magnesium (mg/L) 6.3-16.5 11.4 0.94 0.43 0.96 15 Phosphate (mg/L) 0.09-0.16 0.13 0.006 38.4 76.9 16 Chloride (mg/L) 1.9-2.6 2.25 0.14 2.22 4.43 17 Ammoniac Nitrogen (mg/L) 0.02-0.06 0.04 6E-04 12.3 23.6 18 Nitrate – NO3 (mg/L) 0.04-0.26 0.15 0.005 33.1 66 Table 5: Physico-chemical parameter analyses of water samples in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut. PH – Power of Hydrogen concentration; SD – Standard Deviation.

Figure 2: Percentage value of number of families in fish diversity in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

As for, the status of biodiversity was concerning about during Monsoon (BQM) and Small Quantity during the availability species were categorized as Throughout Monsoon (SQM) were included in Data Deficient (DD) Year (TY) included 42 species were occurred in Least category were include in 3 species while the Lower Risk Concern (LC) category. However, the Throughout Year in Near Threatened (LRNT) category were occurred in 9 Bulk Quantity (TYBQ) and Throughout Year in Little species are also recorded. Likewise, the another group of Quantity category (TYLQ) were included in 6 species were Rare (R), Extremely Rare (ER) and Not Evaluated (NE) Vulnerable (VU) and 7 species was occur in Nearly category were included in 7 species comprise not Threatened category (NT). Whereas, the Bulk Quantity evaluated (NT) group and 3 species were include in

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Endangered (EN) category was recorded. On the other about 63.3% and 37.9% of the total fish population. hand, genera wise percentage composition analysis were Following, the Siluriformes 11.4% and 12.0%, referred as the Cypriniformes was the most dominant Perciformes 6.3% and 11.6%, Clupeiformes 3.8% and order concerning about 55.5% number of genera were 8.6%, Anguilliformes 2.5% and 5.1%, Beloniformes 2.5% occurred. Subsequently, Siluriformes 11.1%, Perciformes and 4.2%, Osteoglossiformes 2.5% and 4.5%, 8.9%, Clupeiformes 6.7%, Osteoglossiformes 4.4%, Gonorhynchiformes 1.3% and 4.7%, Mugiliformes 1.3% Anguilliformes 2.2%, Beloniformes 2.2%, and 3.9%, Cyprinodontiformes 1.3% and 3.7% and Synbranchiformes 2.2%, Gonorhynchiformes 2.2%, Synbranchiformes 1.3% and 3.7% were the least Mugiliformes 2.2% and Cyprinodontiformes 2.2% were numerous species and also it constituting only 13 recorded. Subsequently, the species and number of individuals of the total order of fish population (Figures 3- individual wise analysis of percentage composition the 6). Cypriniformes was the most leading order to comprise

Figure 3: Percentage value of number of genera in fish diversity in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

Figure 4: Percentage value of number of species in fish diversity in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

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Figure 5: Percentage value of number of genera in fish diversity in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

Figure 6: Mean standard error of physico-chemical parameters analysis in Kollidam River, Lower Anicut.

Discussion days. Presently the study were highlighted the cyprinids species were widely distributed in among the sampling The River Cauvery has a diverse fish fauna and also region and it has widespread distributed in India [17,18] needful to high conservation importance for upcoming and also it is a common and abundant species in Indian

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freshwaters. In this study, the cyprinids were dominating on wealth of the fish species in riverine ecosystem [25]. fish assemblage as they occupy all possible habitats due to As a results, to develop the scenarios of losses in riverine their high adaptive variability nature [20]. Improvement species wealth with respect to 5 and 10 percentage point of Ichthyodiversity management and species richness is reduction in the scores of the identified influential reason to assess the biological resources at local or national level viz., surface area of riverine region and species and it is important to consider this information in a availability potential habitat for that region. Besides, loss continental or global context. As well, the taxonomy and of species richness in these rivers due to the percentage richness of species is a valid one and it is important point loss in regional surface area of riverine region to surrogate in the context of Ichthyodiversity assessment. provided there is no change in the fish habitat availability The assembled database and estimate the number of fish potential of the river, water temperature and water species were present in a large number of riverine temperature stability. As the relative contribution, the ecosystem is a wide one. On the other hand, the readily temperature to change in species wealth is very low available estimates of species richness have a good result influential to hydrological factors and also change due to from these studies made at various time and reflect temperature will be nullify by the change due to different approaches to fish taxonomy, so the species mentioned factors. On the other hand, the hydrological dataset is also even and in quality. Yet, both of the low parameters remain unchanged while temperature was intensity of field survey and slow rate at which the target increases during that time. In this situation, the option to species were experienced systematic can dealt with the increase species richness may occur due to invasion of available specimens dataset is greatly to be improved in exotic species and possible for shift of warm water near future. As a result, the data are refined through more species towards colder stretch [26,27]. Based on this accurate counts of species or families and to use of observation, the Kollidam River is being diversely rich in discharge rather than catchment area that to fit will fish species, it can possibly be explained by the fact that improve somewhat and more interesting individual prior to the coming up of the large number of hydraulic patterns of species will be emerge [21]. However, it is structures to maintain the overall physical and biological clear that the variable quality of the existing data at global structure and function of this riverine system. The level family diversity is a good surrogate for species and transport of water sediments and nutrients were the general patterns of species structure in one are well downstream nature and also inadequate. Following, the reflected to other. Presently, decline the richness of floodplains were connected to providing essential lateral species were observed to the present work due to link to the Cyprinids for breeding and recruitment. This proximity to human intervention, shortage of food information provided to a great variety of ecological availability, excessive fishing and scarcity of water in this habitats, for harboring rich Ichthyofaunal diversity. reservoir. Thus, the biological diversity appears to play a Though, in recent years the breakup of the riverine substantial role in ecosystem plasticity [22]. Following, ecosystem by series of dams have converted to riverine the physical and limnological properties of the present sections from lotic to lentic systems and it disconnected ecosystem combined with the interaction among species the main channel from their flood plain wetlands [27,28]. are amongst factors were responsible for promoting the As a result, the fish habitat and availability potential has novel structure and composition of the Ichthyodiversity at been reduced. Herein, this kind of fragmentation and specific ecosystem [23,24]. continuity of the river remains unaccounted in the model system. Therefore, the model reflects the predicted Potential species richness and availability in this richness of species to be much below the observed riverine environment were predominantly influenced by number of species. water temperature and temperature stability. It is evident that the present result, the factors regional surface region According to Shrestha [29] quoted that no one definite of the riverine environment is a most influential plan has been made to attempt restoration of damaged determinant for species richness followed by habitat riverine area likewise dam, development of reservoir and availability potential of freshwater network. Both of them, improvement of irrigation facilities. Presently, the it has a positive impact on the species richness and negative impact over-siltation, dredging and spoil alteration in those two factors would be drastically disposal have been encountered in several rivers. modified in the riverine background. Water temperature Subsequently, the pollution has largely affected in fishery, and stability have extremely little effect on species aquatic living organism, enforceable conservation and richness, though they are statistically significant nature pollution laws were fully necessitate and implemented. for the present work carried out. Moreover, the water After that, the active restoration and habitat enhancement temperature has positive effect on richness of species, programs were desirable one particularly for riverine fish whereas temperature stability has the negative outcome stocks. Thus, problem affecting the general riverine

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ecosystem includes dam construction, designing of maintaining the natural bio geographic patterns in biota reservoir, alteration of hydro biological regime in tail [32]. Herein, fishes have commonly been used as water, paper mill effluents, domestic and industrial surrogates for biodiversity in freshwater conservation pollutants, agricultural runoff, channelization, dredging planning, possibly for the reason that the distribution and and ensuing spoil disposal, taking away of stream bank ecological requirements of fishes are comparatively well cover, eutrophication, riverine flood plain encroachment, understood relative to most other freshwater groups in a degradation of wetlands, changing natural hydro-periods biota. Hitherto, the extent to which group of fishes are and development of watershed urbanization. effective surrogates for other aquatic biota and also right Furthermore, the methods of detecting and forecasting targets for conservation planning have not been the ecological changes in fish communities should be comprehensively evaluated [33]. Presently, alternative developed and utilized. Further, analysis of results must extinction scenarios can be expressed as potential losses be readily understood through life histories and habitat in ‘feature ichthyo diversity’ in regard to the evolutionary requirement of rare and endangered species to living in history of the sampling region and may hence guide the rivers should be investigated and appropriate conservation priorities (Faith and Baker, 2006). The measures taken to preserve them. Following, the efforts major challenge here is to assess the level of spatial to restore decimated population, such as some species of resemblance between biodiversity measures and carps, eels and catfishes should be continued. One the subsequent implication for prioritizing a network of other hand the commercial fisheries should be monitored freshwater areas and conservation management. The to evaluate overfishing potential and it possible need for reflection of connectivity and its importance to regulatory controls. Finally the efforts should be made to maintaining natural ecological processes and biodiversity educate the fisher folk about the importance of native in freshwaters is also a key to effective conservation fishes land values, both aesthetic and economic of river planning for these systems [34]. Designing well-organized ecosystem [21]. Yet, one of the scientific conservation networks in freshwaters is challenging recommendations for fishermen to strictly avoid harmful because the spatial hierarchies of fluvial ecosystems and fishing gear such as electrical shocker and dynamites also networks and necessity to consider longitudinal, lateral, seriously affected the fish population as a result of surface and groundwater connections [35]. Evaluation of overfishing. Presently, all ichthyologist of the world are directional connectivity requirements based on aware the insecure condition and existence of unique knowledge of species life history traits, including fishes in the riverine waters and also give to devote more migration patterns, offers one promising approach [36]. attention to the study and conserve them for future. For The scientifically defensible and conservation targets this reason, some potential fishing area in these regions (e.g., the number of populations or areas were mandatory can be developed into eco-friendly angling sites such as to maintain species) is challenging, because minimum West and East potential spot of this riverine ecosystem. population sizes or habitat requirements for most of the However, the Endemic species may be largely affected freshwater species are not known [37]. Therefore, the due to change in water temperature and other ecological multiple occurrences and diverse catchments allow for factors to the probable effect of changes the typical different genetic lineages to be conserved [37] though, climate. Therefore, it is necessary action taking that the conservation plans must go beyond simple spatial habitat-specific plans for such species should be configurations to deal with human induced stressors. So formulated with long-term ecological study to the far, the improved integration of riverine ecological highlighted region. principles (e.g., biogeographically, successional pathways and source-sink population structures is needed for Spatial patterns of species richness and endemic conservation of freshwater fishes in an ever-changing species have often been used to a suitable guide the world [38]. Therefore, measures of conservational were conservation of freshwater fish biodiversity [30] referred including stopping the illegal fishing, dynamiting, however; such approaches do not provide the elasticity poisoning, identifying crucial breeding habitats and needed for an adaptive and multipart conservation creating mass awareness are need to save the threatened planning process. Conservation planning that fish fauna in this region. Without these efforts many incorporates complimentarily (a gain in biodiversity freshwater fish species would become extinct. Collecting when a site is added to an existing set of protected areas) the juveniles and maintaining aquariums are pivotal to yields more efficient and cost-effective conservation than raising awareness and actively conserving species ad-hoc scoring or ranking strategies [31]. A significant through conservational programmes as informed by the conservation goal was to develop the energetic information made available through the species biodiversity conservation management policy that can be assessments published on the Red List. adapt to changing environmental circumstances while

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Recommendation and Conservational scholars Mr. K. Suresh and Mr. C. Balaji was to assist Measures collection of species and photographs. Finally, we thank to fishermen and authorities of Tamil Nadu Fisheries At present, species diversification was going away to Department, Lower Anicut, Thanjavur District, Tamil vulnerable, endangered and extinction. To conserve these Nadu to help during sampling and also to provide the valued endemic species, it is most important to ensure the source of present species information. following measures: 1. Firstly, to regulation of mesh size to prevent the References catching of brooders and juveniles during breeding and larval rearing stages of fish. Declarations of sanctuaries 1. Darlington PJ (1948) The geographical distribution of in these areas where these species live are endemic cold- blooded vertebrates. Quarterly Review of nature. Biology 23: 1-26. 2. Artificial recruitment may be made to revive the species in those areas where these fishes are less 2. Berra T (2001) Freshwater fish distribution. available and catch is declining. Prevention of entry of Academic Press, San Diego CA. industrial pollutants in that area where these fish 3. Balasundaram C, Deepa A, P Mariappan (1999) Fish population is inhabits. diversity in Grand Anicut, River Cauvery 3. Conservation of gametes through gene banking is a (Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu). Zoos’ Print Journal good way for adopting future strategies of 14(8): 87-88. replenishment and stock enhancement of these valued species. Public awareness is required to save these 4. Burton PJ, Balisky AE, Coward LP, Cumming SG, fishes from extinction. Kneeshaw DD (1992) The value of managing for biodiversity. The Forestry Chronicle 68(2): 225-237. Conclusion 5. Abraham RK, Kelkar N, Kumar AB (2011) Freshwater During this survey it has been found that religious fish fauna of the Ashambu Hills landscape, southern inhibitions stand in the way of utilizing the rivers, canals Western Ghats, India, with notes on some range and sluice all are stocked the juveniles to be neglected. extensions. Journal of Threatened Taxa 3(3): 1585- Besides, the indiscriminate use of pesticides has risen in 1593. many eyebrows and also pesticides get washed into the streams and rivers. Herein, the residual effects are well 6. Hammer M, Jansson A, Jansson BO (1993) Diversity known and thus can prove harmful to the fish faunas. On change and sustainability: implications for fisheries. the other hand, enormous growth in the industries which Ambio 22(2-3): 97-105. discharged effluents without proper treatment into the river streams resulting in destruction of fishes. One of the 7. Kar D, Barbhuiya MH (2004) Abundance and recent survey of Yamuna and its tributaries has shown diversity of zooplankton in Chatla Haor, a floodplain that its dumping polluted materials have led to the wetland in Cachar district of Assam. Environment and disappearance of fishes. Essentially those periodic Ecology 22(1): 247-248. surveys should be undertaken the species are not lost to the scientific world. Public prejudice against fishing as a 8. Jayaram KC (1981) The Freshwater Fishes of India, profession and against fish as an item in the menu stands Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, and Sri Lanka: A in the way of proper exploitation of fisheries. Handbook. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp: 475. Acknowledgement 9. Baille EM, Hilton-Taylor C, Stuart SN (2004) IUCN List of Endangered Species. A Global Species Assessment. We are very much grateful to Dr. V. Ramaiyan, Former Gland and Cambridge: IUCN Publication Service Unit. Director of CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, for helping to identification of species with extensive 10. Jenkins M 2003 Prospect of Biodiversity. Science 302: suggestions in this field of fisheries. We would like to 1175-1177. thank Dr. S. Ajmalkhan, Emeritus Professor, CAS in Marine Biology Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 11. Darwall WRT, Vie JC, (2005) Identifying important for helping to statistically standardizing the present sites for conservation of freshwater biodiversity: research work. During this work, one of our junior

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