Guwahati, Mar 25: Researchers from Nagaland University, in collaboration with the local community, are working to conserve indigenous fish species in the Dikhu River. The study integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research to document fish diversity, assess species populations, and explore sustainable fishing practices—an approach rarely seen in the region’s scientific studies.
The Dikhu River, a key tributary of the Brahmaputra, supports a rich freshwater biodiversity crucial for local livelihoods. However, increasing human activities and unsustainable fishing methods threaten its fragile ecosystem. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to protect these aquatic resources.
Led by Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor of Zoology at Nagaland University, and research scholar Metevinu Kechu, the research team collaborated with the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow.
Their study, funded by ICAR, recorded 28 fish species across six orders, 13 families, and three subfamilies, with Cypriniformes making up 67.9% of the total. The findings were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
“The Dikhu River has received little attention in scientific literature, making this study a vital contribution to understanding North East India’s freshwater ecosystems,” said Dr. Pankaj. “Our findings can inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving aquatic biodiversity in this hotspot.”
The research team also made a significant discovery—the first recorded presence of Garra birostris in Nagaland’s Doyang and Dikhu rivers, a species previously found only in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bhutan. Their findings were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa under the title First Record of Garra birostris Nebeshwar & Vishwanath, 2013 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Doyang and Dikhu Rivers of Brahmaputra Drainage, Nagaland.
Beyond species documentation, the researchers stress the importance of integrating local communities in conservation efforts. They advocate for stricter regulations on destructive fishing methods, habitat protection, and the promotion of sustainable, indigenous fishing techniques.
The study also documented traditional fishing practices of the Ao and Sumi tribes, who use bamboo rafts, gill nets, and handmade traps—methods that are both eco-friendly and integral to their way of life.
Metevinu Kechu emphasized that the research provides crucial data for policy-making on sustainable fisheries. “The next steps involve implementing conservation policies, including habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure sustainable resource management,” she said.
The study further highlights seasonal variations in fish diversity, revealing that post-monsoon months support the highest fish abundance. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of fish population trends and the need for timely conservation actions.
With threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing endangering the Dikhu River’s aquatic life, the researchers urge immediate conservation measures. Their findings underscore the critical role of community-driven initiatives in protecting and sustaining freshwater biodiversity in Nagaland.
