Researchers from Nagaland University are partnering with local communities to preserve indigenous fish species in the Dikhu River, a crucial tributary of the Brahmaputra. This collaboration combines scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge, offering a rare integration of community-based practices and modern conservation efforts.
The Dikhu River harbours a diverse array of freshwater species essential to the region’s biodiversity and local economy. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from human encroachment and unsustainable practices.
The study, led by the Zoology Department at Nagaland University’s Lumami Campus and supported by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation initiatives.
The researchers documented 28 fish species spanning six orders, 13 families, and three subfamilies, with Cypriniformes accounting for 67.9% of the species observed. Their work also marked the first recorded presence of Garra birostris in the Doyang and Dikhu rivers, a species previously identified in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bhutan.
This discovery underscores the ecological significance of Nagaland’s rivers in preserving regional biodiversity. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa, offering valuable insights into the ichthyofaunal diversity of the region.
The researchers used seasonal data to assess fish population trends, identifying the post-monsoon period as the peak season for fish diversity and abundance. Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor at Nagaland University, emphasised the importance of blending local knowledge with scientific methods.
“This study provides a significant contribution to understanding freshwater ecosystems in Northeast India,” he said. “Collaborative efforts among local communities, conservationists, and government authorities are vital to ensure sustainable river ecosystems.”
Research scholar Metevinu Kechu added, “Our findings offer critical data for shaping policies on sustainable fisheries and aquatic ecosystem protection, directly benefiting local communities reliant on these resources.” The team highlighted the role of traditional fishing techniques used by the Ao and Sumi tribes, including bamboo rafts, gill nets, and handmade traps.
These methods, integrated into the local ecosystem, serve as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to destructive fishing practices. The study revealed pressing threats to fish populations, including habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution.
Researchers advocate for stricter regulations to protect these aquatic resources and promote sustainable practices. Suggested measures include habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and leveraging traditional knowledge for conservation efforts.
Dr. Pankaj stressed the need for an integrated strategy that combines habitat protection with the promotion of traditional, sustainable fishing techniques. The team’s findings aim to guide policymakers in implementing effective conservation strategies.
The study not only sheds light on the unique biodiversity of the Dikhu River but also aligns with global conservation priorities. By documenting the river’s fish species and their population trends, the research provides a foundation for targeted conservation efforts.
In addition to preserving biodiversity, the researchers aim to improve community livelihoods by promoting sustainable resource management.