Title : Revisiting the ichthyological research and species checklist in the lotic systems of Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya- A systematic review.
Abstract:
Arunachal Pradesh, being the largest state in North-east India covers 60.93% of the eastern Himalayan hotspot. It is endowed with rich networks of drainage systems with enormous fish diversity and endemicity. However, most ichthyological research on most of the river systems are sporadic or incomplete and a comprehensive compilation of the state’s species checklist is still lacking. In view of this a systematic review according to preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-2020) guidelines was performed by searching for articles on Scopus and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords and suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria. Records identified from other sources such as citations and websites were also included. The search yield 194 results in total from both databases and other sources after screening and eventually about 70 articles were included in this paper for further review and analysis after quality assessment. Amongst these majority of the literature focused on taxonomical studies and new discoveries and new reports from the state. Only a handful of literatures focused on ecological aspect of this fauna including their feeding habits and habitat associations. Around 300 fish species from different river systems has been compiled here augmenting the previously reported count of 259 by Gurugram et al.,(2016). More than 30 new species have been reported thereafter signifying the diverse habitats. Limited and available literature skewed predominantly around taxonomical studies or species inventory in the state, signifies a pressing need to shift focus towards fish ecology to address the urgent requirements for further conservation efforts with increasing anthropogenic activities and environmental changes.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- This systematic literature review method offers a robust and reliable approach that addresses the shortcomings of traditional literature review studies. Unlike the traditional method, it employs systematic and explicit techniques to identify, select and critically evaluate relevant research, ensuring objective and reproducible results. By utilizing this method, data can be collected and analyzed in a comprehensive manner, enhancing the rigor and validity of the review process.
- This presentation points out the updated fish species checklist of one of the most unexplored states of Arunachal Pradesh in India exhibiting immense potential of high diversity and endemism being a part of biodiversity hotspot.
- The present investigation also establishes the market potential of certain indigenous ornamental fish. These aquatic resources can be further sustainably utilized as an organized trade commodity so that the livelihood pattern of local population may be uplifted economically.
- This presentation shed light on the limited literatures regarding the ecology of ichthyofauna in the area. Also, the existing studies are outdated or insufficient to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fish species and their interactions within the ecosystem.
- The lack of recent research indicates a gap in knowledge and necessitates the need for further exploration to provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of the ichthyofauna, contributing to the overall understanding of aquatic ecosystems in the area.
- This presentation also emphasizes that investigating the fish species, their interactions and their dependence on the ecosystem is crucial for conservation and sustainable management.
