STUDY ON THE BIODIVERSITY STATUS OF LOACH SPECIES IN SYLHET SADAR

Abstract

In order to determine the biodiversity status of freshwater loaches in Sylhet Sadar, the present study was conducted for a period of 9 months (April-December, 2014). The study was based on mainly three fish markets (Tuker Bazar, Madina Market and Lal Bazar) along with Kazir Bazar fish landing center, from the catch of the fishermen fishing in the Surma River flowing through Sylhet city and a few other fish markets of Sylhet Sadar. Data and information were collected using secondary literature review, market visits and interview with the fishermen and fish traders. According to the available literatures, the number of freshwater loaches in Bangladesh is 24 under 3 families (Cobitidae, Balitoridae and Psilorhynchidae). However, during the study, a total of 7 species (Botia dario, B. lohachata, Lepidocephalichthys guntea, L. irrorata, L. berdmorei, Somileptus gongota and Acanthocobitis botia) under 2 families - Cobitidae and Balitoridae were recorded during the study period. The highest numbers of loach species (6) were found from the family Cobitidae (99%) and only 1 species from the Balitoridae (only 1%). Among the collected species, some are used as food fish in Bangladesh and the rest are considered as ornamental fish. Among the total number of species found, 2 species (B. dario and B. lohachata) were considered as threatened based on IUCN (2000) red list of threatened fishes of Bangladesh and categorized as endangered (EN). A. botia and S. gongota were found in very small quantities compared to other recorded loach species. The number of major fishing gears used by the fishermen was 6 in Sylhet region, of these Ber jal and Jhaki jal were mostly used. The non-availability and less availability of most of the loach species indicate their alarming decline of the biodiversity in the surveyed area. The interviewed stakeholders reported that the biodiversity of loach species is decreasing due to environmental degradation and manmade causes. Implementation of fishing laws, public awareness about the ecological and nutritional value of loach species and further study should be carried out about the biology of loaches to conserve the biodiversity of these valuable species.