Fish community and habitat diversity profiling of Luni, an ephemeral saline river from Thar Desert of India for conservation and management

Abstract

‘Luni’ is an ecologically fragile and ephemeral saline river of socio-economic significance for indigenous peoples of the Thar Desert, India. The present study aims for mapping the ichthyofaunal diversity of an unexplored river Luni and its relationship with habitat parameters based on field surveys conducted from October, 2018 to November, 2019. The diverse habitats of river Luni support 27 fish species and the highest diversity was recorded from midstream segment (19 species) followed by downstream (14 species). The index of diversity (H’ = 2.35) and dominance (D = 0.133) indicated rich fish diversity and even distribution. The relational analysis of habitat variables with abundance of cyprinids revealed, altitude and oxidation reduction potential as the key drivers for its distribution in the upstream segment of the river. This study provides an evidence for establishment of invasive species especially Oreochromis mossambicus and its impact on the fish assemblage structure of arid river Luni. The major anthropogenic factors threatening biodiversity and pristine habitats are mining, release of effluents and excess canal water, unplanned developmental activities in the riparian corridor and establishment of non-native species. The baseline information generated on fish assemblage pattern and habitat status of the river Luni can assist in formulating strategies for the conservation and management of this riverine ecosystem to support the livelihood of local communities.