Threatened Freshwater Faunal Species of India and Their Conservation Strategies

Abstract

The present study aimed to compile information on selected threatened aquatic fauna, their roles in food webs, and the significance of their relationships with associated vegetation. It also explores ways to restore and conserve the habitats of these vulnerable species, highlighting the importance of preserving ecological balance and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems in India, encompassing rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, are home to a rich variety of aquatic life, including mammals, fish, amphibians, crustaceans and mollusk. These ecosystems rely on a delicate balance of food chains and food webs, with aquatic plants serving as the primary producers. India's freshwater ecosystems support a rich diversity of aquatic life, including threatened species like the Ganges River Dolphin, Ganges Shark, Mugger Crocodile, and Hump-backed Mahseer. Human activities such as pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and fragmentation have significantly impacted these species, leading to population declines and local extinctions. Therefore, studies on threatened freshwater faunal species are very important to draw attention towards their conservation. The present study documented 19 threatened freshwater fauna in India. Effective conservation approaches include awareness programs, anti-poaching efforts, pollution control, habitat restoration, and restoring native vegetation. This study emphasizes the need for urgent conservation action to protect India's freshwater ecosystems and the threatened species that depend on them. By adopting a holistic approach that balances human needs with ecological sustainability, we can work towards preserving the rich biodiversity of India's freshwater ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of its threatened aquatic fauna.