A wildlife expert has emphasized the rich diversity of freshwater fish in the Mhadei river, which provides drinking and irrigation water to Goa, and called for proper documentation of these species. Jay Sakhala, a wildlife expert, made these remarks during a field visit organized by the Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade.
Importance of Freshwater Ecosystems
During the field visit, Sakhala explained to participants the significance of freshwater ecosystems. He noted that more than 300 freshwater fish species have been reported in the Western Ghats. A total of 31 species of freshwater fish belonging to seven orders, 12 families, and 21 genera were recorded, with the highest number of species found in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Field Visit to Khalsa Nullah
Sakhala also took the participants inside the Khalsa nullah, a tributary of the Mhadei river that flows through the forest areas in Sattari. He showed them various fish species such as indigo barb and melon barb that have been thriving in the Khalsa nullah.
According to Sanket Naik, a member of the Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade, it was the first time they organized a session with a field visit inside the Khalsa nullah. This helped participants gain first-hand information about the freshwater fish diversity of the Mhadei region.
Need for Documentation
The expert stressed that the freshwater fish diversity in the Mhadei river needs to be documented to ensure its conservation. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, hosts a wide variety of fish species, many of which are endemic and threatened.
