Biodiversity in the Padma Distributary of the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh: Recommendations for Conservation

World Journal of Zoology 7 (4): 328-337, 2012 ISSN 1817-3098 IDOSI Publications, 2012 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjz.2012.7.4.6634 Biodiversity in the Padma Distributary of the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh: Recommendations for Conservation 1 1,2 2 Md. Mosaddequr Rahman, Md. Yeamin Hossain, Ferdous Ahamed, 3 4 5 2 Fatematuzzhura, Bharat Raj Subba, Elgorban M. Abdallah and Jun Ohtomi 1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh 2 Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan 3 Department of Agroforestry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh 4 Department of Zoology, Post Graduate Campus (TU), Biratnagar, Nepal 5 Center of Excellence of Biotechnology Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia Abstract: The Padma River is one of the longest rivers and it is believed to be an important spawning and feeding ground for riverine fish species of Bangladesh. This study analyzed the fish biodiversity and main threats to biodiversity to provide recommendations for conservation in the Padma River. Sampling was conducted fortnightly in the Padma River during March 2009 to February 2010 from fishermen catch landed at different fish landing centers between Binodpur and Godagari, Rajshahi, northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 80 species of fish under 9 orders and 24 families were recorded. Cypriniformes were most dominant order constituting 35% of the total fish population followed by Siluriformes (32.50%), Perciformes (17.50%), Clupeiformes (5.00%), Synbranchiformes (3.75%), Osteoglossiformes (2.50%), Beloniformes (1.25%), Mugiliformes (1.25%) and Tetraodontiformes (1.25%). Among the species found during the present study, 12.50% were vulnerable, 21.25% were endangered and 8.75% were critically endangered. Major threats to fish biodiversity include habitat destruction and defragmentation, water pollution, indiscriminate harvesting of fry and fingerlings, construction of barrages, construction of embankments by the Ganges-Kobadak project, sedimentation. Restocking economically important fish species, establishing and maintaining fishery sanctuaries, ordering closed seasons and combining fisheries with aquaculture, banning indiscriminate fishing and destructive fishing gears, strengthening CBOs (Community based organizations), encouraging IPM (integrated pest management), dredging, identification and protection of the breeding and nursery grounds are recommended for the conservation of fish biodiversity in the Padma River, NW Bangladesh. Key words: Cypriniformes Biodiversity Threat Conservation Padma Bangladesh INTRODUCTION their high sensitivity to the quantitative and qualitative alteration of aquatic habits [4, 5, 6]. Subsequently, Recent studies on biodiversity loss and its they are often used as bio-indicators for assessment of implications for ecosystem services have uncovered water quality, river network connectivity or flow regime unprecedented species extinctions at global and [7]. Nowadays, fish biodiversity and management of regional levels [1, 2]. Throughout the last century, associated habitats is a great challenge [8]. In addition, riverine ecosystems have suffered from intense human the conservation of aquatic biodiversity has gained great intervention resulting in habitat loss and degradation and ecological importance over recent years [9]. as a consequence, many fish species have become highly Bangladesh is exclusively endowed with extremely endangered, particularly in rivers where heavy demand is rich and extensive inland and marine water resources, placed on freshwaters. Moreover, freshwater fish are one which mainly includes floodplains, haors, baors, beels, of the most threatened taxonomic groups [3] because of rivers, estuaries, coastal belt and vast sea waters. Corresponding Author: Md. Yeamin Hossain, Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Shimoarata 4-50-20, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan. Tel/Fax: +81-99-286-4152. 328

Along with potential water resources, Bangladesh is also which in turn limits formulation of biodiversity rich in the diversity of various fish species and other conservation strategies. Additionally, in order to manage important aquatic species. Hence it is ranked third in fish fish biodiversity effectively, it is necessary to identify biodiversity in Asia behind China and India, with the reasons for decline of the species [12, 26]. Therefore, approximately 800 species of fresh, brackish and marine this study attempted to collect information on fish waters [10]. biodiversity in the Padma River, NW Bangladesh. The River Padma, second longest river of The specific objectives of this study were to (i) analyze Bangladesh, is the habitat of the richest freshwater fish the fish biodiversity, (ii) review the main threats to fish fauna of Bangladesh [11]. The Padma River is believed to biodiversity and (iii) provide recommendations for be an important spawning and feeding ground for riverine fish biodiversity conservation. fish species of northwestern Bangladesh [12]. The river conserves a rich variety of fish species which support MATERIALS AND METHODS to the commercial fisheries. A large number of fishes including some commercially important species are The current study was conducted in the Padma fished in the river by both small and large scale fishers River (lower part of the Ganges River), NW Bangladesh. throughout the year [13]. During the year 2007-2008, The River Padma is the main distributary of the Ganges a total of 9392 metric tons of fish were captured from the that originates in the Gangotri glacier of the Himalayan. River Padma which was 6.87% of the total fish captured The Ganges enters into Bangladesh from India at Shibganj from all the rivers in Bangladesh [14]. This River also Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj district (Latitude 24 65' N; supports livelihood and nutritional security of the people Longitude 88 06' E) where becomes known as the Padma living alongside. However, most of the wild populations River. have seriously declined in rivers and streams of Samples were collected fortnightly from commercial Bangladesh due to over exploitation augmented by catches landed at different fish landing centers from various ecological changes and degradation of the natural Binodpur to Godagari, Rajshahi (Latitude 24 46' N; habitats [9, 15]. Longitude 88 32' E), NW Bangladesh (Figure 1) during Several studies on the biodiversity of fish have been March 2009 to February 2010. Fish were usually caught conducted throughout the world including [16-21]. by means of the traditional fishing gears such as cast Even though a few studies have been conducted on the net (jhaki jal), square lift net (tar jal), conical trap Padma River fisheries including: an account of the fishes (dughair), fish angles (Borsi), Monofilament fixed gill [22], fish species composition [23], occurrence of fish and net (Current jal) and Fish barrier (Thaga). The fresh non-fin fish [24], availability and consumer preference of samples were immediately chilled in ice on site and fixed small indigenous fishes [25], however, synthesis and with 10% buffered formalin upon arrival at the laboratory. analysis or assessments of fish biodiversity are limited, Identification of the samples was done based on 24 65 24 55 Nawabganj N 26 25 89 90 91 92 Bangladesh 24 45 Ganges Ram Krisnapur Godagari Nawabganj -Rajshahi Highway Study site 24 23 24 35 IIndia Bangladesh Border 10 mi Char Khidirpur Rajshahi city 22 21 Bay of Bengal 24 25 10 km India Sardah Fig. 1: Map of the Padma (main tributary of the Ganges) River, northwestern Bangladesh. The dot circle shows the location of the sampling stations 329

Table 1: Fish diversity in the Padma River (lower part of the Ganges River), northwestern Bangladesh Order Family Scientific name English name Local name Recorded maximum TL (cm) Availability Status Beloniforrmes Belonidae Xenentodon cancila Freshwater garfish Kakila, Kaikka 40.0 [45] TY, LM Clupeiformes Engraulidae Setipinna phasa Gangetic hairfin anchovy Phasa 40.0 [46] TYS Clupeidae Corica soborna Ganges river sprat Kachki, Gura mach 4.1 SL [47] TY Gonialosa manmina Ganges river gizzard shad Chapila 14.1 [48] R, SM Gudusia chapra Indian river shad Chapila, Khoira 20.0 [48] TY Cypriniformes Cobitidae Botia dario Bengal loach Rani, Bou mach 15.1 [48] VR EN B. lohachata Reticulate loach Rani, Bou mach, Bagha 11.0 SL [49] VR EN Lepidocephalus guntea Guntea loach Puiya, Gutum 15.0 [27] SM Somileptus gongota Gongota loach Poia, Puiya 13.0 [48] VR Cyprinidae Amblypharyngodon mola Mola carplet Mola, Moa 20.0 [50] TYL A. microlepis Indian carplet Mola 10.0 [50] R Aspidoparia jaya Jaya Pioli, Jaya 15.0 [27] R A. morar Aspidoparia Morari 17.5 [27] TYL Catla catla Catla Katla, Katol 182.0 [50] R Cirrhinus cirrhosus Mrigal carp Mrigal, Mirka 100.0 SL [51] TYS C. reba Reba carp Raikhor, Reba 30.0 [50] TYS VU Devario devario Sind danio Banspata 10.0 [27] R Labeo bata Bata Bata 61.0 [27] TYS EN L. boga Boga labeo Bhangon, Bhangon buta 30.0 [27] TYS CE L. calbasu Orange fin labeo Kalbaus 90.0 [50] R EN L. nandina Nandi labeo Nandina 81.2 SL [48] R CE L. rohita Roho labeo Rui, Rohu 200.0 [52] R Laubuca laubuca Indian glass barb Chela 17.0 [53] TYS EN Osteobrama cotio cotio Cotio Dhela 15.0 [50] VR EN Puntius chola Swamp barb Chola punti 15.0 [53] TYS P. conchonius Rosy barb Kanchan punti 14 [27] TYS P. sarana Olive barb Sar Punti 42 [48] VR CE P. sophore Pool barb Jat puntis 18 [50] TYL P. terio Onespot barb Vanti punti 10 [50] R P. ticto Ticto barb Tit punti 10 [48] TYS VU Rasbora rasbora Gangetic scissortail rasbora Darkina, Darka 13.0 [50] R, SM EN Salmophasia bacaila Large razorbelly minnow Chela, Katari 18.0 [50] R, SM S. phulo Finescale razorbelly minnow Chela 12.0 [50] R, SM Mugiliformes Mugilidae Rhinomugil corsula Corsula Khorsula 45.0 [50] R, SM Osteoglossiformes Notopteridae Chitala chitala Clown knifefish Chitol 122.0 SL [27] VR EN Notopterus notopterus Bronze featherback Pholi 60.0 SL [54] R VU Perciformes Ambassidae Chanda nama Elongate glass-perchlet Chanda, Lomba chanda 11.0 [50] TYL VU Parambassis ranga Indian glassy fish Chanda, Ranga chanda 8.0 [48] R, SM VU P. lala Highfin glassy perchlet Chanda 2.0 SL [45] TYS Anabantidae Anabas testudineus Climbing perch Koi 25.0 [45] VR Badidiae Badis badis Badis Koi bandi, Napit koi 8.0 [50] VR EN Channidae Channa marulius Great snakehead Gojar 183.0 [49] VR EN C. orientalis Walking snakehead Gachua, Cheng 33.0 [50] R, SM VU C. punctata Spotted snakehead Taki, Goti 31.0 [45] TY C. striata Striped snakehead Shol 100.0 SL [55] VR Gobiidae Glossogobius giuris Tank goby Bele 50.0 SL [56] TYL Osphronemidae Trichogaster fasciata Banded gourami Khoilsha 12.50 [50] TYS T. chuna Honey gourami Chuna, Chuna khoilsha 7.0 [57] R, SM T. lalius Dwarf gourami Khoilsah, Lal khoilsha 8.80 [48] R, SM Nandidae Nandus nandus Gangetic leaffish Bheda, Meni, Nodoi 20.0 [45] R, LM VU Siluriformes Amblycipitidae Amblyceps mangois Indian torrent catfish Torrent catfish 12.50 SL [45] NE Bagridae Batasio tengana Assamese Batasio Tengra 9.0 [45] R, SM EN Mystus bleekeri Day's mystus Gulsha tengra, tengra 15.5 [48] R, SM M. cavasius Gangetic mystus Gulsha, Kabashi tengra 40.0 [45] TY, LM VU M. tengara Tengara Catfish Bajari tengra 18.0 [45] R, SM M. vittatus Striped dwarf catfish Tengra 21.0 [45] TY, LM Rita rita Rita Rita 150.0 [45] TY, LM CE Sperata aor Long-whiskered catfish Ayre 180.0 [45] R VU S. seenghala Giant river-catfish Guija, Air 150.0 [45] R, SM EN Chacidae Chaca chaca Squarehead catfish Cheka 20.0 [50] R, SM EN Clariidae Clarias batrachus Philippine catfish Magur 47.0 [58] TYS Heteropneustidae Heteropneustes fossilis Stinging catfish Shing, Shinghi 30.0 [53] TYS 330

Table 1: Continued Order Family Scientific name English name Local name Recorded maximum TL (cm) Availability Status Schilbeidae Ailia coila Gangetic ailia Kajuli 30.0 [45] TY, LM Ailiichthys punctata Jamuna ailia Kajuli 10.0 [45] TY, LM VU Clupisoma garua Garua Bachcha Ghaura 60.90 SL [49] LM CE Eutropiichthys murius Muiurs Vacha Muri bacha 28.0 [45] VR E. vacha Batchwa Bacha Bacha, Vacha 40.20 SL [59] LM CE Neotropius atherinoides Indian potasi Kata patasi, Batasi 15.0 [50] TY, LM Silonia silondia Silond catfish Shilong 183.0 [50] R EN Siluridae Ompok bimaculatus Butter catfish Kani pabda 45.0 SL [45] LM EN O. pabda Pabdah catfish Pabda, Modhu pabda 30.0 [60] R, LM EN Wallago attu Wallago Boal 240.0 [53] SM Sisoridae Bagarius bagarius Goonch Baghair 200.0 [61] VR CE Gagata cenia Clown Catfish Cenia, Gang tengra, Jangla 15.0 SL [45] NE G. youssoufi Gang Tengra Gang tengra 5.0 SL [62] NE Hara hara Moth Catfish Kutakanti, Hara 13.0 [50] NE Synbranchiformes Mastacembelidae Macrognathus aculeatus Lesser spiny eel Tara baim 38.0 [63] TYS Mastacembelus armatus Zig-zag eel Baim 90.0 [64] LM EN M. pancalus Barred spiny eel Guchi, Pankal baim 18.0 [50] TY Tetraodontiformes Tetraodontidae Tetraodon cutcutia Ocellated pufferfish Potka, Tepa 15.0 [50] SM TL, total length; SL, standard length; TY, throughout the year, TYS, throughout the year in small amount; TYL, throughout the year in large amount, SM, found in small amount during monsoon; LM, found in large amount during monsoon; R, rare; VR, very rare, NE, not evaluated; Status in the IUCN Red List according to IUCN Bangladesh (2000), EN, endangered, VU, vulnerable; CE, Critically endangered. morphometric and meristic characteristics according to dominant order constituting 35% of the total fish [27, 28]. Availability of fish species were determined on population followed by the Siluriformes (32.50%), the basis of their abundance during sampling and through Perciformes (17.50%), Clupeiformes (5%), interviewing of 50 fishermen with formerly prepared Synbranchiformes (3.75%) and Osteoglossiformes questionnaire. Fish availability was categorized as TY (2.50%). Beloniformes, Mugiliformes and (throughout the year), TYS (throughout the year in small Tetraodontiformes were the least numerous orders amount), TYL (throughout the year in large amount), constituting only 1.25% each of the total fish population SM (found in small amount during monsoon), LM (Figure 2). Cyprinidae was most dominant family (found in large amount during monsoon), R (rare), VR constituting 30% of the total fish population followed (very rare) and NE (not evaluated). by Bagridae (10%) and Schilbeidae (8.75%). A total of The relationship between the maximum total length 34 species were recorded as threatened in the Padma (TL) attained by a species (Table 1) and the number of River during this study according to [30]. Among them, species attaining that TL (i.e., numbers expressed as 12.50% were vulnerable, 21.25% were endangered and cumulative percentage) was estimated during this study. 8.75% were critically endangered. All the fishes under Standard length (SL) was converted to TL using available Osteoglossiformes, 50% fishes under Siluriformes, 42.86% length-length relationship models from Fishbase [29]. under Cypriniformes, 42.86% fishes under Perciformes and Furthermore, necessary data and information for 33.33% fishes under Synbranchiformes were found to be threats to biodiversity and its conservation were threatened (Figure 3). Only 37.50% fishes were available collected through the survey on the fishers, fish farmers, throughout the year where 33.75% fishes were rare and fish traders, teachers, students, researchers, Government 15% fishes were found to be very rare during the current and NGO personnel and experienced persons related to study. The statistics analysis showed the fish fisheries sectors and available literatures. biodiversity in the Padma River decreased severely in Data analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism recent years later than 2000-2003 ( =14.07, p>0.001). 5 software, while figures were made by Microsoft Excel In addition, the present study illustrated that about 2003. During this study, a Chi-square test was used to 50% of the number of species present in Padma River check the number of fish species divergence from system was smaller than 15 cm TL, whereas 90% were previous findings. All statistical analyses were considered within 135 cm TL. Moreover, no species was found with significant at 5% (p<0.05). larger than 240 cm TL during this study (Figure 4). Furthermore, the results indicated that the fish RESULTS biodiversity are declining due to a combination of overexploitation, environmental degradation, natural disasters, A total of 80 species of fish under 9 orders and pesticides and aquatic pollution, spread of diseases, 24 families were recorded from the Padma River during uncontrolled introduction of exotic fishes, destruction of the study period (Table 1). Cypriniformes was the most breeding grounds, excessive water abstraction, siltation, 331

Siluriformes, 32.50% Synbrachiformes, 3.50% Tetradontiformes, 1.25% Beloniformes, 1.25% Clupeiformes, 5.00% Perciformes, 17.50% Osteoglossiformes, 2.50% Mugiliformes, 1.25% Cypriniformes, 35.00% Fig. 2: Percentage of fish species composition under different order found in the Padma River (main distributary of the Ganges) River, northwestern Bangladesh during 2009-2010 Fish species composition 40 30 20 10 0 Beloniformes Clupeiformes Cypriniformes No. of species No. of threatened species Mugiliformes Fig. 3: Fish species composition (including threatened fish) under different order found in the Padma (main distributary of the Ganges) River, northwestern Bangladesh No. of species 60 50 40 30 20 Osteoglossiformes Order Perciformes Siluriformes 2009-2010 (This study) Synbrachiformes 2006-2007 (Bhuiyan et al., 2008) 2000-2003 (Hossain & Haque, 2005) Tetradontiformes 10 0 Anguili. Beloni. Channi. Clupei. Cyprinidonti. Cyprini. Mastacembeli. Order Fig. 4: Fish species composition in the Padma (main distributary of the Ganges) River, northwestern Bangladesh during 2000-2003, 2006-2007 and 2009-2010. (See Table 1 for full name of different order) Mugili. Osteoglossi. Perci. Pleuronecti. Raji. Siluri. Synbrachi. Syngnathi. Tetradonti. various ecological changes in its natural habit and lack and subsequent withdrawal of waters from the Padma of proper management. In addition, the construction River are the key causes for destroying its fish of Farrakka barrage by India in the Ganges River biodiversity. 332

35 110 Number of species 30 25 20 15 10 Number of species Cumulative percentage 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Cumulative percentage 5 20 10 0 0 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 255 270 285 300 Maximum length to which species grow (cm) Fig. 5: Relationship between the maximum total length (TL) attained by a species and the number of species attaining that length for various sub-tropical river systems (See Table 1) (numbers expressed as cumulative percentage). Standard length (SL) was converted to TL using available length-length relationship models from Fishbase [29] DISCUSSION identification of the threats will help formulating the needed conservation measures. In the Padma River, The number and composition of species recorded declining fish biodiversity and community structure is in this study were different from those reported by mainly due to human-induced disturbance, which has [22, 23, 24] in the same part of the Padma River. Present imperiled fish biodiversity at a variety of scales. Similar study recorded much fewer number of fish species (80) findings were recorded by [12] during March 2006 to than that reported in previous studies as 110 [22] and December 2007 from the same water-body while studying 134 [23]. However, [24] recorded 73 species of fishes the Threatened Fish, Puntius sarana. In addition, [32] which is fewer than that found in this study, nonetheless and [33] also reported the similar causes for depletion of both results clearly indicating a loss of fish biodiversity fish biodiversity from the West Bengal, India. The in the Padma River, NW Bangladesh (Table 1, Figure 4). anthropogenic activities include habitat destruction and The number of species and its maximum size of fishes defragmentation [34-37], pollution [38] and global climate are very important for sustainable management in a change impacts [39, 40]. Moreover, the construction of water-body. In general, comparison of the numbers of Farrakka barrage by India in the Ganges River and species at different sizes (where size is defined as the subsequent withdrawal of waters changed the water flow maximum length to which a species grows) in any regime and hydrology of entire Padma River basin water-body shows that small species are far more destroying most of the fish habitats and consequently abundant than big ones. These types of relationship were affecting not only the diversity of aquatic species but also demonstrated by cumulated values for a number of major the ecology, hydrology and livelihood of people in the temperate and tropical rivers [31] and showed that about nearby regions. In addition, construction of embankments 50% of the numbers of species present in any system do on both banks by the Ganges-Kobadak project further not grow larger than 15 cm SL and that 90% of the species reduced carp habitats; and sedimentation occurs in the never exceed 50 cm, which is in accordance with the Padma River [41] which leads to complete disappearance present study, although the current study calculated it of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery in this part of the using TL. In addition, [31] reported that larger fishes of Padma River due to disruption in the migration route. up to 300 cm were present in many inland water systems More recently, concerns have been raised about the but were represented by one or two species only. threat to wild endemic fish populations from large scale However, this type of information is completely absent induced breeding operations, inappropriate artificial from sub-tropical waters, thus it is difficult to compare the reproduction practices and the large scale stocking of current results with others. domesticated, genetically degraded fingerlings in Loss of fish biodiversity is an alarming threat and floodplains and large scale escapes of cultured stocks due its conservation is the only solution of this problem. to flooding [42, 12]. All these issues are collectively acting The documentation of the species found here as well as behind the loss of fish biodiversity in the Padma River, their availability is critical; this together with the NW Bangladesh. 333

Furthermore, 42.50% of the total fish population recorded from the Padma River during present study is threatened due to several reasons including habitat loss, siltation in river basins, over-exploitation and indiscriminate killing of juvenile fish as a result of unregulated fishing pressure, water pollution caused by industrial and domestic wastes, pesticides and agrochemicals, destruction of breeding and nursery grounds because of flood control [30, 43, 44]. The percentage of threatened fish found in the Padma River, NW Bangladesh in the current study is higher than the percentage of threatened fishes among all freshwater species of global aquatic ecosystem (39%) [30] indicating the need for urgent conservation measures. Ecological changes to the fish habitat indicating the need of immediate comprehensive studies regarding to the biology of fish, aquatic habitat, protection of aquatic ecosystems and conservation of fish species. The following measures can be implemented to restore fish communities in the Padma River: restocking economically important fish species, establishing and maintaining fishery sanctuaries, ordering closed seasons and combining fisheries with aquaculture in the form of culture based capture fisheries, banning indiscriminate fishing and destructive fishing gears such as the current jal (Monofilament gill net), strengthening the community based organizations (CBOs) for better management of the water resources, regular dredging especially in some important points of the river, identification and protection of the breeding and nursery grounds, encouraging integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, introduction of fish bypasses to facilitate fish movement, formulating new legislation concerning the current situation, educating, informing and training of the fishermen, strict implementation of existing conservation regulations and ensuring proper punishment of the culprits. Furthermore, studies on life histories of threatened species should be strengthened. Information on life histories of endangered species is highly necessary for successful conservation of fishes. In addition, development of techniques for artificial breeding is still indispensable to restore the populations of threatened species because of rapid habitat destruction or degradation. Financial assistance from government and donor agencies is essential with the intension of commencing further surveys, research, monitoring and raising awareness among the people for the conservation of fish biodiversity in the Padma River, NW Bangladesh. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We express our gratitude to (i) local fishers (Rajshahi, Bangladesh) for collecting samples, (ii) the Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi (Bangladesh) for laboratory facilities and (iii) Bernerd Fulanda (Kagoshima University, Japan) for critical reading the manuscript. REFERENCES 1. Dulvy, N.K., Y. Sadovy and J.D. Reynolds, 2003. Extinction and vulnerability in marine populations. Fish and Fisheries, 4: 25-64. 2. Baille, E.M., C. Hilton-Taylor and S.N. Stuart, 2004. IUCN List of Endangered Species. A Global Species Assessment. Gland and Cambridge: IUCN Publication Service Unit. 3. Darwall, W.R.T. and J.C. Vie, 2005. Identifying important sites for conservation of freshwater biodiversity: extending the species based approach. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 12: 287-293. 4. Laffaille, P., A. Acou, J. Guillouet and A. Legult, 2005. Temporal change in European eel, Anguilla anguilla, stock in a small catchment after installation of fish passes. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 12: 123-129. 5. Sarkar, U.K., A.K. Pathak and W.S. Lakra, 2008. Conservation of freshwater fish resources of India: new approaches, assessment and challenges. Biodiversity and Conservation, 17: 2495-2511. 6. Kang, B., D. He, L. Perrett, H. Wang, W. Hu, W. Deng and Y. Wu, 2009. Fish and fisheries in the Upper Mekong: current assessment of the fish community, threats and conservation. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 19: 465-480. 7. Chovance, A., R. Hoffer and F. Schiemer, 2003. Fish as bioindicators. In: B.A. Market, A.M. Breure, H.G. Zechmeiser, (eds) Bioindicatos and Biomonitors, pp: 639-675. 8. Dudgeon, D., A.H. Arthington, M.O. Gessner, Z.I. Kawabata, D.J. Knowler, C. Leveque, R.J. Naiman, A.H. Prieur-Richard, D. Soto, M.L.J. Stiassny and C.A. Sullivan, 2006. Freshwater biodiversity: importance, threats, status and conservation challenges. Biological Reviews, 81: 163-182. 9. Hossain, M.Y., M.M. Rahman, M.A.S. Jewel, Z.F. Ahmed, F. Ahamed, B. Fulanda, J. Ohtomi, 2012a. Conditions and form-factor of the five threatened fishes from the Jamuna (Brahmaputra River Distributary) River, northern Bangladesh. Sains Malaysiana, 41(6): 671-678. 334

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