Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Physicochemical Characteristics of Dhir Beel (Wetland) of Dhubri District, Assam, India
Sumit Kumar Chakraborty
Department of Environment Management, Dimoria College, Khetri, 782403, India.
Chandra Sharma
Environment Management Division, Directorate of Extension, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, India.
Mausam Kumar Paul *
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Dhir Beel, located in Dhubri District of Assam, India, is an ecologically significant freshwater wetland forming an integral part of the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary. The wetland plays a crucial role in supporting diverse wildlife, and serves as an important livelihood resource for local communities through fisheries. The present study aimed to assess the Ichthyofaunal diversity of Dhir Beel and to evaluate key physicochemical parameters of water in order to understand the habitat ecology of fish species. Fish and water samples were collected from five selected sampling stations during the study period (in the year 2015). A total of 41 fish species belonging to 30 genera and 17 families were recorded. Cyprinidae emerged as the dominant family in terms of species richness. The analysis of water quality parameters indicated that the wetland maintains favourable conditions for fish growth and survival (Fig. 4). Despite its rich biodiversity, the wetland is subjected to anthropogenic pressures.
Keywords: Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary, conservation, fish species, physiochemical parameters, water pollution