Adaptive skill of Schizothorax sp. of river Alaknanda under long term pressure of urbanization and anthropogenic activities in Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

It is universally accepted that humans are having a major impact on every aspect of earth's ecological habitats because humans are engaged in urbanization and anthropogenic activity. All the major watershed areas of Garhwal Himalayan region (Alaknanda, Bhagarathi/Ganges and Yamuna) have witnessed urbanization and anthropogenic activity. One hydroelectric power project (330 MW) is located on river Alaknanda at Srinagar Garhwal in Garhwal Himalaya. The project started during the mid1990s by GVK group and completed around 2014. A long term study on fecundity of Schizothorax sp. at Srinagar Garhwal was carried out between the years 1996 to 1998. This study was compared to other recent studies on same species at same location between the years 2016-19. This period covers the entire timeline of construction phase to commissioning phase of this hydroelectric power project. Various parameters with reference to breeding biology and fecundity were measured from Schizothorax sp. Mature specimens ranging in average weight from 384g to 1482g and average length from 320mm to 544mm were observed. Weight of ovary in the fish fluctuated from 38g to 219g. Fecundity of samples varied from a minimum to 3009 to a maximum of 13649 to 13840. The mathematical relationship of fecundity with other variables viz: fish length, fish weight, ovary weight and ovary length, and between fish weight and ovary weight and ovary length was calculated. The computed relationships were found to be highly significant especially between fecundity and fish length (r=0.940, p<0.01), fecundity and fish weight (r=0.937, p<0.01) and fecundity and ovary volume (r=0.913, p>0.01). The values of regression coefficient (b) and correlation coefficient (r) were computed separately. The data when compared to recent data of other authors reveals that Schizothorax sp. have sustained their fecundity due to their unique adaptive skill but have shifted their breeding grounds slightly. This shifting of breeding ground might be due to anthropogenic activity. Further studies would be needed to see if the breeding grounds are also restored.

Ecological Adaptations and Conservation Challenges of Schizothoracids in High Altitude Environments: A Mini Review

“…By exploring these areas researchers can enhance their understanding of these fishes, promote sustainable conservation practices, and foster collaboration between indigenous communities and scientific experts (Fraser et al, 2006;Gagnor and Berteaux, 2009). Despite the challenges faced by this group of fishes, their adaptive skills, such as their ability to sustain fecundity, provide some hope for their survival (Thapliyal, 2019). However, the decline and isolation of these fish due to environmental pollution and habitat degradation underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts (Da-qing, 2010).…”

Assessing impact of dams on genetic diversity of native fish Mastacembelus armatus in river Yamuna using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b sequences as a molecular marker

“…In this context, anthropogenic activity during construction of dams is a major activity that creates severe pressure on aquatic habitat along with its inhabitants (Waples et al 2008). In Garhwal Himalayan region, a phenomenal number of dams have been constructed and several are under construction and still more are in planning phase (Thapliyal et al, 2019). As no long term study, using molecular tools, has ever been carried out to study the population dynamics of fish species in the area therefore in present study we tried to investigate the genetic diversity of native fish species Mastacembelus armatus (Fig.…”