Authors: Ekta Sharma, Dr.bilquees j. khan
Abstract: Freshwater biodiversity in India’s rivers and lakes plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining diverse ecosystems that provide essential services to both wildlife and human populations. Despite their importance, these freshwater systems are increasingly under threat from pollution, habitat degradation, overexploitation of resources, the spread of invasive species, and the growing impacts of climate change. Effective conservation strategies are essential to protect these invaluable freshwater resources and to ensure their sustainable management. Understanding the current distribution patterns of indigenous fish species is critical for biodiversity conservation and for the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Recent assessments reveal significant shifts in the distribution of indigenous species, as well as certain alien fishes, when compared with previously documented data. Water mineralization and maximum observed water temperatures were identified as the primary environmental factors influencing fish distribution at the local scale. Habitat alteration has led to the homogenization of fish fauna, driven by the decline of rare species and the increasing penetration of alien species. Rapid population growth and inadequate water management practices further exacerbate these pressures, making the future of indigenous fish populations increasingly uncertain. This paper analyzes the current challenges facing the biodiversity of Kishore Sagar Lake, highlights key conservation concerns, and underscores the need for integrated management approaches to preserve ecosystem health and promote sustainable development.
