A Study On Fish And Plankton Diversity In Garjan Beel Of Kamrup District, Assam, India

Assam is recognized as one of the hotspots of freshwater fish diversity. Biodiversity and its conservation are regarded as one of the major issues of enabling sustainable use of natural resources. A survey was conducted on the Garjan beel of Kamrup district since March-2018 till February -2019. Its geographical location falls under latitude 26°13'5"N and 91°35'40"E. Primary data were collected by visiting the studied area twice a month. The local people and fishermans have been questioned and interviewed. The present investigation reveals fish diversity of 72 species belonging 22 families under 8 orders. 3 species are endangered (EN), 9 are vulnerable (VU), 1 species is near threatened (NT), 55 species are lower risk least concern (LRlc), and 4 are not evaluated (NE). Of these fish species 42.5 % are riverine fishes while the rest are species of lentic habitats and 40 species have indigenous ornamental value. Order cypriniformes is the most dominant group in the beel (30 species) and cyprinidae is the most species rich family (26 species). Among phytoplankton community total 33 species were recorded from 4 classes. Chlorophyceae have highest number of species (13). 36 species of zooplankton were found from 3 classes. Rotifera represents highest nos. of species (17 species). This wetland holds numbers of economically important fish species having high market value as live fish many of which have potential value as food and ornamental. Most of the fish species once dominant in the beel are now endangered. If properly managed in scientific lines, these water bodies can play a vital role in boosting rural economy.