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Occurrence of Macro-zoobenthos Against the Varied Altitudinal Gradient and Ecology in a Trout Stream (Lidder) of Kashmir Himalaya, India

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Abstract

The distribution, abundance, ecology, and diversity of macro-zoobenthos in Lidder stream, a major tributary of the river Jhelum of Kashmir Himalaya was investigated for one year. The study was carried at three zones (upstream, midstream and downstream) of varied topography and physical characteristics. The habitat of each zone was determined with respect to some environmental factors. A progressive degradation in water quality and the species density and diversity along the altitudinal gradient in the downstream was observed. Macro-zoobenthos was represented by 21 taxa, among which insects dominated the benthic fauna throughout the stretch of the stream. The mean species density and diversity in upstream and downstream was 735 ind./m2 and 19 sp. and 483 ind./m2 and 14 sp. respectively. Sensitive species like Ephemerella spp. and Caenis srinagari occurred in the upstream only. Below upstream due to the increased nutrient influx and change in bottom texture and ecological setup, the density of Gastropods, Annelids and Diptera (e.g. Chirnomous meign) increased. The species diversity index (H′) was high near the mouth of the river. One way ANOVA test showed significant variation between the upstream and downstream.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Dr. N. A. Jan, Ex-Commissioner, Fisheries, J & K Govt., Mr. S. Ali, Joint Director, Fisheries and his staff for help in the field studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, 190 006, India

    F. A. Bhat, M. H. Balkhi & A. M. Najar

  2. Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, 190 006, Srinagar, India

    A. R. Yousuf

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  1. F. A. Bhat
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Correspondence to F. A. Bhat.

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Bhat, F.A., Yousuf, A.R., Balkhi, M.H. et al. Occurrence of Macro-zoobenthos Against the Varied Altitudinal Gradient and Ecology in a Trout Stream (Lidder) of Kashmir Himalaya, India. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 84, 287–297 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-013-0217-3

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