Researchers from Nagaland University, along with local communities, have initiated a significant research program to preserve local fish fauna in the Dikhu River, which is in Nagaland. This study, which combines traditional ecological knowledge and scientific approaches, aims to counter the imperative of conservation due to increasing encroachment by humans and unsustainable activities on the ecosystem of the river.

The group, consisting of members from the Zoology Department of Nagaland University’s Lumami Campus and the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, sought to remedy the dearth of integrated information on the fish species of the Dikhu River. Through their research, the researchers probed the ichthyofaunal richness of the river, with an emphasis on the endangered species and the status of the fish population in the area. The research is a major milestone in bridging the knowledge gap of the river’s aquatic biodiversity, which has been poorly addressed in scientific literature.

A total of 28 fish species of 6 orders, 13 families, and 3 subfamilies were documented in the research. The dominant order was Cypriniformes, which accounted for 67.9% of the recorded species. This research highlights the imperative need for focused conservation actions in Nagaland’s river systems, particularly as they are increasingly threatened from overexploitation and habitat loss by anthropogenic activities. The investigation was sponsored by ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, and findings were reported in the respected Journal of Threatened Taxa.

One of the greatest strengths of the study is its incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge. Local communities were engaged closely, and indigenous knowledge regarding the ecosystem of the river, diversity of fish, and eco-friendly means of fishing was included. Through observations of the fishing method of local tribes, such as the Sumi and Ao, the researchers were able to locate sustainable and eco-friendly approaches that have been followed through generations. These techniques blend in with the natural environment and may act as an example for other parts of the world seeking to harmonize human activity with protection. 

The principal investigator and associate professor in the Department of Zoology at Nagaland University, Pranay Punj Pankaj, highlighted the significance of the research in revealing the biodiversity of the Dikhu River, a region that had previously not been given much attention in scientific study. He clarified that the results are important in developing effective conservation plans for conserving freshwater biodiversity in North Eastern India, which is a known biodiversity hotspot. “Recording the endangered fish species and monitoring their population trends will enable the design of conservation interventions that are timely and targeted,” he added.

Seasonal patterns in abundance of fish have also been discovered in the studies, with a highest diversity and abundance of species observed during post-monsoon. Seasonality plays an imperative role in discerning the variance of fish abundance in the whole year, inasmuch as it offers indicators regarding the regulators of biodiversity for the riverine system.

Another important contribution of this research is the record of Garra Birostris, a freshwater fish species hitherto only recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bhutan. It was first documented in the Dikhu River, further underscoring the region’s unique biodiversity and why these fragile ecosystems must be protected.

Metevinu Kechu, a research scholar with the Nagaland University, supplemented that the study offers useful data that might inform policymaking on sustainable fisheries and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. “The people of the local communities are relying much on these resources, and the aim of this study is to ensure their long-term sustainability,” Kechu explained. The results will advise on strategies for securing the future of the fishery populations and the people who depend on them for their means of livelihood.

The investigation by the research team into the use of traditional fishing practices revealed that these can be absorbed into current conservation activities. These practices not only enhance the environment but are also important to the culture, instilling a sense of ownership among the resident populations. Encouraging the application of these traditional practices is believed by the researchers to help reduce the negative effects of destructive fisheries and ensure that the rewards from the resources of the river are enjoyed in a sustainable manner.

The researchers recommend a consensus-driven conservation program that engages government officials, conservationists, and local communities. Pankaj emphasized the implementation of more effective controls to contain harmful fishing practices and to guard the natural habitat of indigenous species. He further underscored the significance of fostering indigenous, ecologically friendly methods of fishing within an integrated approach to conservation, where both local wisdom and scientific knowledge are balanced.

In summary, the study by Nagaland University presents a useful input to the knowledge of the biodiversity of the Dikhu River and the necessity of community-based conservation practices. Through blending scientific inquiry with indigenous knowledge, the research presents an integrated method of maintaining the river’s ecosystems as well as the livelihood of the dependent population. The outcomes of this research can potentially inform conservation policy and practice in the future, which will ensure long-term sustainability of the fish species of the river and the ecosystem as a whole.