Fish Diversity in the Andharmanik River Sanctuary in Bangladesh

Abstract

Loss of fish biodiversity, especially in the inland and coastal areas, is a major concern in sustainable fish production. Indiscriminate fish catch, climate change and many other anthropogenic activities synergistically affect fish biodiversity. To formulate a sustainable fish biodiversity conservation plan, fish biodiversity in the Andharmanik River, a 40-km-long Hilsa shad sanctuary in the southern part of Bangladesh, was assessed. The study was conducted to understand the status of fish species diversity through sampling in three sampling stations between December 2014 and November 2015. A total of 93 fish species were found belonging to 66 genera, 45 families and 14 orders. Perciformes (27.65%) was found to be the most dominant order, followed by Cypriniformes (20.21%), Siluriformes (21.28%) Clupeiformes (7.45%) Mastacembeliformes (4.26%) and Channiformes (4.26%). Out of the 93 fish species of the river, the percentage compositions of the vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered and not threatened were found to be 14%, 11%, 6% and 59%, respectively. Four population indices viz. Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index (H), Simpson’s dominance index (D), Simpson’s index of diversity (1-D) and Margalef’s index (d) were applied to demonstrate species diversity, richness and evenness of fish species in sampling areas, and the overall values of the indices were 2.70-3.51, 0.10-0.12, 0.88-0.90 and 7.84-8.19, respectively. The main threats to fish biodiversity were reviewed and the measures for fish biodiversity conservation of the river recommended. Indiscriminate fishing using biodiversity destructive gears, as well as losing hydrological and ecological connectivity with the surrounding habitats, were identified as major threats to biodiversity in the Andharmanik River. Effective sanctuary-based co-management, immediate actions for habitat enhancement to conserve and improve fish biodiversity in the river were recommended. Necessary steps to improve hydrological and ecological connectivity for habitat protection and elimination of all destructive fishing gears in order to conserve biodiversity in the Andharmanik River were also suggested.

Gut microbiome of endangered Tor putitora (Ham.) as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens associated with fish health

“…The values of the Shannon-Wiener index (H) were in the range of 1.8–2.4, and Simpson’s index value (1-D) varied from 0.8–0.9, which was consistent with values reported by other studies [ 52 – 54 ] indicating considerable sample diversity in the metagenomes. The composition of gut microbiota has been explored in different fish species as a function of dietary changes, the impact of host genotype, and different environmental factors [ 1 , 2 , 55 – 58 ].…”

Computational study of Richness and Diversity Indices of fish species in rivers and other wetland areas and fish marketplaces under Kurigram District, Banglades

“…During the study period at Korotoa river, Ahatun et al [41] recorded 10 species which belong to 10 genera, 7 families and 5 orders. Cypriniformes was found as the most dominant order considering species variety and abundance, Siluriformes and Perciformes occupied second and third position depend on their abundance and availability.…”

Establishment of a fish sanctuary for conserving indigenous fishes in the largest freshwater swamp forest of Bangladesh: A community-based management approach

“…The Shannon-Wiener index (H) was positively increased in the RSF. Ali et al. (2020) found the H values 2.70–3.41 at the Andharmanik River sanctuary.…”

“…There was no significant change in the diversity indices among four seasons because RSF is a protected area for fisheries resources. Simpson dominance index (D) value usually ranges from 0 to 1, and the higher the range of values, the smaller the biodiversity represented ( Ali et al., 2020 ). According to Simpson dominance index (D), the post-monsoon season was enriched with higher species diversity as lower value indicated higher diversity.…”