A recent fish count along the Tamirabharani river course has unveiled 36 different fish species and the presence of rare smooth-coated Otters in the Papanasam area. This river, originating from the picturesque Agasthyamalai Hills in the Western Ghats, is Tamil Nadu’s only perennial river, providing sustenance to over 88,000 acres of land before flowing into the Gulf of Mannar.
The survey, conducted by ATREE’s Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre (ACCC) in collaboration with local universities and conservation organisations, aimed to document native fish species, identify invasive species, and devise effective conservation strategies.
Teams of experts, fishermen, and students surveyed seven locations along the river, using cast nets to catch fish for counting. A total of 1,197 individual fishes were counted across the spots, with Kallidaikurichi and Srivaikundam recording the highest number of species.
Out of the 36 species documented, 31 are native to the region, while two are introduced and three are invasive. Notable sightings include the endemic Tamirabharani Barb, Mahseer, Halfbeak fish, and Torrent Catfish. The discovery of rare Smooth-coated Otters highlights the river’s ecological significance.
Despite these findings, the Tamirabharani river faces threats from pollution, invasive species, and dam mismanagement. Invasive species pose a severe threat to native fish populations, leading to biodiversity loss and economic damages. Unethical fishing practices like dynamite usage further exacerbate these challenges.
It is crucial for the government to take decisive action against invasive species and unethical fishing practices to safeguard the river’s ecological integrity and ensure the well-being of its inhabitants. This survey underscores the importance of conservation efforts to preserve the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Tamirabharani river.
Source-The Hindu