Diversity And Conservation Strategies Of Ichthyofauna In Hanumanthapura Lake, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Purpose: Fish make up just about half of the all vertebrates in the worldwide. Economy of the country is directly associated with fisheries and provide alternative resource of food for the growing population. Fish diversity good indicator of health of aquatic ecosystem and favourable to maintains balance in the food chain by consuming small plankton and animals while serving as prey for many other animals.

Method: In recent years due to varied ecological conditions and impacts of human activity have increased variations in abiotic and biotic factors of aquatic ecosystems. The objective of the study was to report ichthyofaunal diversity of Hanumanthapura Lake, Tumakuru District, Karnataka, India. This study carried out for period of one year from Dec-2023 to Nov-2024. Result: The present study revealed that occurrence of ten fish species belonging to four families and four orders. The order Cypriniforms was most dominant with six fish species followed by order Siluriform with two species, order Perciformes and Anabantiformes with one species. Conclusion:Several anthropogenic activities barrages, dumping of waste, over fishing activity and sedimentation were found to threaten the fish diversity, and Physicochemical characteristics of water are also responsible for the occurrence and distribution of fishes in Hanumanthapura lake.  It is necessary to take up the sustainable steps to monitor and conserve fish diversity.