Journal of Threatened Taxa |
www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2022 | 14(6): 21190–21198
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN
0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7687.14.6.21190-21198
#7687 | Received 30 September
2021 | Final received 11 March 2022 | Finally accepted 31 May 2022
Freshwater fishes of the Chimmony Wildlife
Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India
P.S. Eldho 1 &
M.K. Sajeevan 2
1,2 Department of
Fisheries Resource management,Faculty
of Fisheries, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi,
Kerala 682506, India.
1 pseldho@gmail.com, 2
sajeevanfsi@gmail.com (corresponding author)
Abstract: The fish diversity of
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of
Kerala was studied between January 2018 and December 2020. The ichthyofauna
comprised of 40 species belonging to 11 Orders, 17 Families, and 29 genera, of
which 35% are endemic to the Western Ghats region, and two are endemic to the
state of Kerala. Cyprinids were the most dominant family, represented by 19
species belonging to three genera, followed by family Channidae
(3 species) and loaches belonging to the family Nemacheilidae
(3 species). Of the 40 species, one (Mesonemachelius
herrei) belonged to the ‘Critically Endangered’
(CR), one species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU), and four ‘Near Threatened’
(NT) category and on the IUCN Red List. Results are presented in the form of a
primary checklist of the freshwater fish fauna of the Chimmony
Wildlife Sanctuary, together with remarks on their threats and conservation
requirements.
Keywords: Checklist, diversity,
endemic species, ichthyofauna, Kerala.
Editor: Mandar Paingankar, Government Science College Gadchiroli,
Maharashtra, India. Date of
publication: 26 June 2022 (online & print)
Citation: Eldho, P.S. & M.K. Sajeevan (2022). Freshwater fishes of the Chimmony
Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 14(6): 21190–21198. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7687.14.6.21190-21198
Copyright: © Eldho & Sajeevan 2022. Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and
distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the
author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: None.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Author details: Eldho, P.S., is research fellow
at Department of Fisheries Resource Management, KUFOS, Kerala, India with
research interest in freshwater fish diversity, fish taxonomy, stream ecology,
molecular biology and conservation ecology.
Dr. M.K. Sajeevan
is an Associate Professor & Head, Department of Fisheries Resource
Management, KUFOS, Kerala, India with research interest in fish taxonomy, fish
biology, stock assessment, fisheries management and conservation and
legislation.
Author contributions: Both of the authors were involved in field survey,
documentation, literature review and manuscript preparation, editing and
finalizing the manuscript.
Acknowledgements: We thank prof. (Dr.) Riji
John, vice chancellor, and prof. (Dr.) Rosalind George, Dean, Kerala University
of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, for
providing the necessary facilities for performing this research at the
University. We are thankful to Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, assistant professor,
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, KUFOS. We are grateful to the
principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), Kerala State Forest
Department, for providing the study permission (Order No. WL 10-1719/2018, 1
August 2018).
Introduction
India’s Western Ghats
mountain ranges feature a high level of ecological variety and
endemicity in terrestrial fauna, and are listed as a global biodiversity
hotspot (Myers et al. 2000). Around 320 species belonging to 11 orders, 35
families, and 112 genera are known from this region, of which more than 60% are
endemic (Dahanukar & Raghavan 2013).
The Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary (Chimmony
WS) covering a catchment area of 85.06 km2 is an IUCN category IV
protected area located on the western slopes of the Nelliyampathi
Hills in Thrissur district of Kerala, India (IUCN 2020). This protected area
falls between 10.38o & 10.48o N and 76.43o
& 76.55o E (Figure 1). The sanctuary, which is bordered on the
east by the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and on
the west by the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary,
was established as a wildlife sanctuary in August 1984.
The vegetation of Chimmony
WS comprises a mix of evergreen, damp teak, and wet mixed deciduous trees and
except the watershed area, the whole area is considered as a core zone of the
sanctuary (Thomas et al. 2000a). The Chimmony Dam on the Chimmony
River provides means of subsistence fishing from the reservoir, specially
permitted to tribal communities. Much research has been conducted on the fish
fauna of Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests, including the Aralam WS (Shaji et al. 1995), Neyyar WS, Idukki WS (Thomas et al. 2000b), Parambikulam WS (Biju et al. 1999), Karimpuzha
WS (Baby et al. 2010), Periyar Tiger Reserve
(Radhakrishnan & Kurup 2010), and Achankovil Reserve Forest (Baby et al. 2011). Thampy et al. (2021) recorded a total of 136 fish species
belonging to 13 orders, 29 families and 69 genera from the upper-catchment of Kabini River in Wayanad, an indication of high diversity of
upper catchment areas of Kerala Rivers.
The only previous study of ichthyodiversity
and fishery resources of Chimmony WS is that of
Thomas et al. (2000a), conducted by visiting two sites within the sanctuary. A
thorough exploratory study of the protected area’s freshwater habitats covering
all seasons would reveal a more comprehensive assessment of fish diversity and
abundance in the area, and this was the aim of the present study.
Identification of major threats to fish fauna and providing suggestions on
suitable conservation strategies were the other main objectives.
Materials and methods
Based on elevation gradients and topographical
variations of the habitat, sampling was carried out from 23 sampling sites of Chimmony WS (Fig. 1; Table 1). To understand the seasonal
variation, sampling was carried out during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post
monsoon periods from January 2018 to December 2020. Gillnets, cast nets, and
scoop nets with different mesh sizes were operated for catching fish from all
sampling sites. Personal expertise of tribal fishermen was utilised
in fishing gear selection and sample collection methodology. All the fish
caught were identified and photographed live. Specimens collected through a
detailed survey of the reservoir’s tribal fishery were supplemented. Fish
samples were fixed in 5% formaldehyde, and those for genetic analysis were
directly fixed in 99% ethanol. Fish identification was confirmed using the
available literature (Jayaram 1981, 1999). Voucher specimens were deposited in
the Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Kerala University of Fisheries
and Ocean studies, Kochi, Kerala, India. Checklist of fishes collected during
the present study was prepared following Nelson et al. (2016) and Fricke et al.
(2021). Personal interviews and discussions with focus groups including field
staff of the Kerala State Forest and Wildlife Department and tribal fishermen
were conducted to understand the changes that took place in the habitat and
abundance of fishes. Views of tribal fishermen regarding the present threats to
the system were recorded to understand the status of diversity of the wildlife
sanctuary.
Results
A total of 40 fish species belonging to 10
orders, 17 families, and 26 genera were recorded from the Chimmony
WS, with results presented in Table 2. Order Cypriniformes
dominated with 19 species (47 %) under three families (Cyprinidae,
Nemacheilidae, Cobitidae), followed by Siluriformes (10%) and Anabantiformes
(10%) with four species each. IUCN status and population trend of species
recorded are shown in Table 2. A majority of fish species found in the study
region are classified as ‘Least Concern’ (IUCN 2020) as per IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species. However, one species Mesonemachelius
herrei has been listed as ‘Critically Endangered’
(CR), one species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU), and four as ‘Near Threatened’
(NT). Additionally, one species was listed as ‘Data deficient’ (DD) (Figure 2),
and two species Oreochromis niloticus and Gibelion catla were
exotic. According to the IUCN Red List, the population trend for Mesonoemacheilus herrei,
Aplocheilus lineatus, and
Clarias dussumieri is
known to be decreasing, while the population trend for an additional 11 species
are stable. The population trend for the other species
recorded from the wildlife sanctuary is currently not known (Figure 3). Species
richness of the study area was inversely proportional to the elevation of the
sampling site. Garra mullya
was recorded from all the sampling sites, but loaches and Gara
mullya were the only fish species recorded from
habitats situated at an elevation above 700 m (Figure 4). Out of the 40
species, 36 were recorded from the elevation below 300 m. Dawkinsia
filamentosa, Channa gachua,
Garra mullya, Devario malabaricus, Haludaria melanampyx, Rasbora dandia, Mesonoemacheilus
triangularis, Mystus armatus,
and Ompok malabaricus
were distributed throughout the Chimmony WS other
than high elevation sites.
Discussion
Results of the present study revealed the
existence of 40 species within the Chimmony WS (Table
2). Thomas et al. (2000a) examined the fish diversity of Chimmony
and Peechi WS, and recorded 37 species, with Chimmony WS harbouring 34 species
belonging to 15 families, whereas Peechi Wildlife
Sanctuary had 33 species belonging to 15 families. Their research was conducted
by visiting only two sites within Chimmony WS. The
present study carried out a thorough exploratory survey of the protected area’s
freshwater habitats over multiple seasons to better assess fish diversity and
abundance, and our findings indicate that the ichthyo-diversity of Chimmony WS is somewhat greater than previously reported.
A comparative statement of the results of
studies on fish fauna of Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests is
presented in Table 3. The results of the present study are in agreement with
findings of the earlier studies conducted on the fish fauna of Kerala’s
wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests.
Baby et al. (2010), Radhakrishnan & Kurup
(2010), and Baby et al. (2011) recorded higher numbers of species than the
present study. This indicates that topography habitats, elevation of sites and
differences in hydrological parameters and vegetation play major roles in the
distribution and abundance of fish in the upper reaches of the river.
Present study collected information on the
habitat, ichthyofauna and fishery of the Chimmony WS,
and the compiled results of responses indicate that illegal fishing methods
practiced in the area will have harmful effects on habitat and ichthyofauna
diversity. The Kerala State Forest Department has banned fishing inside the
sanctuary’s limits, but illegal fishing in the upper reaches of the river is
still prevalent and destructive fishing practices pose a major threat to the
sanctuary’s fish diversity. Indiscriminate capture of adult individuals during
their yearly spawning migration (locally known as ‘Ootha’)
is another illegal practice that has drastic effects on the fish population.
Stream bank alteration and loss of riparian vegetation due to human-induced
disturbance and local firewood collection resulted in deterioration of habitat.
Most protected area staff working with the forest department were not familiar
with freshwater habitats, ichthyofaunal diversity and the concept of
conservation of fishery resources.
Preliminary training of forest staff on ichthyofaunal diversity,
sustainable fisheries and informed habitat management is needed. Comprehensive
multi-disciplinary research, outreach and capacity building of the diversity,
distribution, ecology, and threats to fish and other aquatic species inhabiting
in the Chimmony WS is also highly recommended.
Table 1. Sampling
sites, their co-ordinates, and elevation.
|
|
Sampling sites |
Longitude (oE) |
Latitude (oN) |
Elevation (m) |
|
1 |
Cheenikuzhi |
76.2716 |
10.2805 |
550 |
|
2 |
Ponmudi |
76.2817 |
10.2824 |
444 |
|
3 |
Virakuthodu |
76.2758 |
10.2743 |
90 |
|
4 |
Nellipara |
76.2836 |
10.2751 |
168 |
|
5 |
Mukkomkodal |
76.2818 |
10.2732 |
165 |
|
6 |
Kodakallu |
76.2954 |
10.2716 |
142 |
|
7 |
Thekkallu |
76.2948 |
10.2753 |
322 |
|
8 |
Vedivachankallu |
76.2858 |
10.2818 |
527 |
|
9 |
Mangalamkavu |
76.2918 |
10.283 |
566 |
|
10 |
Anaporu |
76.3005 |
10.2702 |
118 |
|
11 |
Moongamadu |
76.3057 |
10.2748 |
435 |
|
12 |
Vellimudi |
76.3117 |
10.2701 |
419 |
|
13 |
Mulapara |
76.3041 |
10.2614 |
157 |
|
14 |
Muramadukuthu |
76.3145 |
10.2622 |
669 |
|
15 |
Chaurala |
76.315 |
10.2539 |
333 |
|
16 |
Karimadakallu |
76.3247 |
10.2619 |
752 |
|
17 |
Payampara |
76.3021 |
10.2556 |
121 |
|
18 |
Karandanpara |
76.3044 |
10.2535 |
239 |
|
19 |
Pundimudi |
76.3122 |
10.2452 |
404 |
|
20 |
Kallichembara |
76.2951 |
10.2532 |
80 |
|
21 |
Pandipetti |
76.3041 |
10.245 |
429 |
|
22 |
Poomala |
76.2927 |
10.2508 |
297 |
|
23 |
Ettakombanmala |
76.2811 |
10.2519 |
232 |
Table 2: List of fish
collected from Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary and their
IUCN status, population trend and distribution at different sampling sites.
|
Order/family |
Scientific name |
Authority |
IUCN Red List
status |
Sampling sites |
Elevation range |
Population trend |
Voucher no. |
|
Anabantiformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anabantidae |
Anabas testudineus |
Bloch, 1792 |
LC |
10,17,20 |
80–120 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1002 |
|
Channidae |
Channa gachua |
Hamilton, 1822 |
LC |
3,4,5,6,7,10,12,13,15,18,20,22,23 |
80–450 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1007 |
|
|
Channa striata |
Bloch, 1793 |
LC |
17,20 |
80–120 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1009 |
|
|
Channa pseudomarulius |
Hamilton, 1822 |
LC |
20 |
80 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1008 |
|
Anguilliformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anguillidae |
Anguilla
bengalensis |
Gray, 1831 |
NT |
5,10,17,18 |
80–240 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1003 |
|
|
Anguilla bicolor |
McClelland, 1844 |
NT |
5,13,22 |
150–310 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1004 |
|
Beloniformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belonidae |
Xenentodon cancila |
Hamilton, 1822 |
LC |
17,20 |
80–120 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1040 |
|
Cichliformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cichlidae |
Pseudetroplus maculatus |
Bloch, 1795 |
LC |
10,13,17,20 |
80–160 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1033 |
|
|
Oreochromis niloticus * |
Linnaeus, 1758 |
|
17 |
120 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1029 |
|
Clupeiformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clupeidae |
Dayella malabarica |
Day, 1873 |
LC |
10,13,17,20 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1013 |
|
Cypriniformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cobitidae |
Lepidocephalichthys thermalis |
Valenciennes, 1846 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,
17,18,20 |
80–250 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1021 |
|
Cyprinidae |
Amblypharyngodon melettinus |
Valenciennes, 1844 |
LC |
10,13,17,20 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1001 |
|
|
Gibelion catla * |
Hamilton, 1822 |
|
17 |
120 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1020 |
|
|
Cyprinus carpio |
Linnaeus, 1758 |
VU |
13 |
150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1010 |
|
|
Labeo dussumieri |
Valenciennes, 1842 |
LC |
10,20 |
80–120 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1018 |
|
|
Dawkinsia filamentosa |
Valenciennes, 1844 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,17,
18,20,22,23 |
80–165 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1012 |
|
|
Devario malabaricus |
Jerdon, 1849 |
LC |
3,5,6,7,10,12, 13,
15,17,18,20, 22,23 |
80–450 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1014 |
|
|
Garra mullya |
Sykes, 1839 |
LC |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
9,10, 11,12,13,14,15, 16,17,18, 19,20,21,22,23 |
80–750 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1015 |
|
|
Hypselobarbus kurali |
Menon & Rema
Devi, 1995 |
LC |
17 |
120 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1019 |
|
|
Haludaria melanampyx |
Jerdon, 1849 |
LC |
3,5,6,7,10,12,13,
15,17,18,20,22,23 |
80–420 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1017 |
|
|
Pethia punctata |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,17,
20,22 |
80–150 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1032 |
|
|
Puntius mahecola |
Valenciennes, 1844 |
DD |
5,6,10,13,18, 20,22 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1035 |
|
|
Puntius parrah |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
10,13,17,20 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1036 |
|
|
Puntius vittatus |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
3,10,13,17,20 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1037 |
|
|
Rasbora dandia |
Valenciennes, 1844 |
LC |
3,5,6,7,10,12,13,
15,17,18,20,22,23 |
80–420 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1038 |
|
|
Systomus sarana |
Hamilton, 1822 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,17,18,
20, 22,23 |
80–300 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1039 |
|
Nemacheilidae |
Mesonoemacheilus herrei |
Nalbant & Banarescu, 1982 |
CR |
11,12,14,15,16,19 |
400–750 |
Decreasing |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1023 |
|
|
Mesonoemacheilus triangularis |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
1,2,4,7,8,9,11,12,
14, 15,16, 18,19,20, 21 |
80–750 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1024 |
|
|
Mesonoemacheilus guentheri |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
1,2,4,9,11,12,14,
15, 16,19,21 |
150–750 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1025 |
|
Cyprinodontiformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aplochelidae |
Aplocheilus lineatus |
Valenciennes, 1846 |
LC |
5,10,17,18,20 |
80–160 |
Decreasing |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1006 |
|
Gobiformes |
Aplochelius blockii |
Arnold, 1911 |
LC |
5,17,18 |
80–160 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1005 |
|
|
|||||||
|
Gobidae |
Glossogobius giuris |
Hamilton, 1822 |
LC |
3,5,10,17,18,20 |
80–230 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1016 |
|
Oxudercidae |
Pseudogobiopsis oligactis |
Bleeker, 1875 |
LC |
10,13,17,20 |
80–160 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1034 |
|
Incertae sedis under Ovalenteria |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ambassidae |
Parambassis dayi |
Bleeker, 1874 |
LC |
3,5,10,17,18,20 |
80–160 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1030 |
|
|
Parambassis thomassi |
Day, 1870 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,17,18,
20,22 |
80–150 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1031 |
|
Siluriformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bagridae |
Mystus armatus |
Day, 1865 |
LC |
3,5,6,10,13,15,
17,18, 20,22,23 |
80–350 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1026 |
|
|
Mystus malabaricus |
Jerdon, 1849 |
NT |
3,13,17,20,22 |
80–160 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1027 |
|
Clariidae |
Clarias dussumieri |
Valenciennes, 1840 |
NT |
10,13,17,20 |
80–150 |
Decreasing |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1011 |
|
Siluridae |
Ompok malabaricus |
Valenciennes, 1840 |
LC |
3,4,5,6,10,12,13,
15,17, 18,20,22,23 |
80–420 |
Unknown |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1028 |
|
Synbranchiformes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mastacembelidae |
Mastacembelus armatus |
Lacepede, 1800 |
LC |
5,10,17,18 |
120–250 |
Stable |
KUFOS.FV.2019.1022 |
LC—Least Concern | NT—Near Threatened | CR—Critically
Endangered | DD—Data Deficient | VU—Vulnerable | *—Exotic.
Table 3. Studies on
fish fauna of Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests.
|
Area of study |
Number of species
recorded |
Author |
|
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary |
33 |
Shaji et al. 1995 |
|
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
38 |
Thomas et al. 2000b |
|
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary |
40 |
Biju et al. 1999 |
|
Idukki Wildlife
Sanctuary |
40 |
Thomas et al. 2000b |
|
Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary |
43 |
Baby et al. 2010 |
|
Achankovil Reserve Forest |
46 |
Baby et al. 2011 |
|
Periyar Tiger Reserve |
54 |
Radhakrishnan &
Kurup 2010 |
|
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary |
40 |
Present study |
For images and
figures – click for PDF
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