Fish Diversity and Conservation Status in the Aquatic Ecosystems of Dhanbad District, Jharkhand
Acceptance: 05/05/2024
Published: 12/07/2024
Abstract
Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, known as the “Coal Capital of India,” contains diverse freshwater ecosystems such as the Damodar, Barakar, and Katri rivers, village ponds, wetlands, and mining pit lakes. These ecosystems support important fish biodiversity but are increasingly threatened by coal mining, industrial discharge, urban expansion, and habitat degradation. Despite their ecological significance, comprehensive studies on fish diversity in the district have remained limited.The present study was conducted between January 2024 and March 2026 across eight sampling stations to assess fish diversity and conservation status. Standard ichthyological methods and IUCN Red List (Version 2025-1) criteria were used for species identification and conservation assessment. A total of 44 fish species belonging to 7 orders and 14 families were recorded. Cypriniformes was the dominant order (52.3%), followed by Siluriformes (22.7%) and Perciformes (13.6%).Conservation analysis revealed that 31 species (70.5%) were categorized as Least Concern, 8 species (18.2%) as Near Threatened, 4 species (9.1%) as Vulnerable, and 1 species (2.3%) as Endangered. Species such as Tor tor and Channa barca showed significant decline due to pollution, habitat fragmentation, and mining-related disturbances. The study provides an important baseline for future fish conservation and aquatic ecosystem management in Dhanbad district.
Author Name:
Babita kumari , Dr.Satya Prakash
Pages:
187-200
DOI Number:
06.2026-37848263/V1/I1/J26/BKSP
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Writer Name
Babita kumari , Dr.Satya Prakash
Pages
187-200
DOI Numbers
06.2026-37848263/V1/I1/J26/BKSP
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