NEWS – Scientists released about 1,000 fingerlings of Nilgiri Mystus into a ranching facility in Shivanasamudra as part of conservation efforts

CURRENT STATUS OF NILGIRI MYSTUS

• Critically Endangered Status: Classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010.
• Historical Sightings: Once found in the Tungabhadra River in the 1980s, its population has drastically declined over the past 30 years.
• Near Extinction: IUCN experts report a decline of nearly 100% in known locations.
• Recent Sightings: The species was spotted again in 2019 after over a decade.

CONSERVATION BREEDING PROGRAM

Initiatives by National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR)

• NBFGR collected brooders from Talakad for a breeding program aimed at preserving the species.
• Broodstock has undergone hormonal stimulation for induced natural spawning.

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Role of Nilgiri Mystus

• Predatory Indicator: Acts as a key predator and indicator of river health in the Western Ghats.
• Ecosystem Services: Provides scavenger services that help maintain the freshwater ecosystem.

FUTURE PLANS AND MONITORING

• Fingerling Release: Approximately 1,000 fingerlings, each about 2 inches long, will be released into the Cauvery River.
• Monitoring Duration: The released fish will be monitored for the next few years to assess survival and adaptation.
• Awareness Programs: Initiatives will be conducted among local communities, emphasizing the ecological value of Nilgiri Mystus as a prized catch.

THREATS TO FISH POPULATIONS

• Dynamite and Large-Net Fishing: Practices posing direct threats to fish populations in Shivanasamudra.
• Habitat Change: Development projects, including dams and power stations, have altered natural habitats.