Comparative Biodiversity of Two Medium Reservoirs of North India

Abstract

Studies were conducted in two medium reservoirs viz. Dhaura and Baigul of Uttarakhand from June 2006 to May 2007 to assess the present species composition of phytoplankton, zooplankton, macro- benthos (molluscs) and fishes. The study revealed a moderate to fair plankton, molluscs and fish diversity in both reservoirs. During study period, 30 species of phytoplankton, 15 species of zooplankton, 9 species of molluscs and 33 species of fishes were recorded from the experimental water bodies. The average plankton population in terms of phytoplankton and zooplankton was found in the range of 28,201–218,229 and 952–11,581 U/l from Dhaura and Baigul reservoirs, respectively. Microcystisaeruginosa belonging to group Cyanophyceae was most dominant species among phytoplankton. The macro benthic invertebrate diversity in the form of molluscs was comprised of 9 species from these reservoirs. The fish diversity was represented by 33 species comprising 8 species of carps, 14 species of cat fishes/other carnivorous fishes and 11 species of weed fishes. Study of various biological parameters reveal that these reservoirs are moderately productive and if managed properly, the production at all trophic levels can be enhanced. The details of the observations of the above work are described in the paper.