Journal Article
Endangered Golden mahseer Tor putitora Hamilton: A review of natural history
Bhatt, J.P. and Pandit, M.K.
Record Number:
4485
Year:
2016
Journal:
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Pages:
25-38
Volume:
26
Abstract:
Golden mahseer, Tor putitora Hamilton,
one of the largest freshwater fish of the Indian subcontinent,
inhabits mainly Himalayan rivers in the
foothills. Among numerous freshwater fishes of the
sub-continent, Golden mahseer is the most striking
due to its large size, attractive golden colour, sustenance
and sporting values. Tor putitora is known by
various common names such as king mahseer, mighty
mahseer and the tiger of water. Being a migratory fish,
Golden mahseer undertakes periodic upstream migration
during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons from
large rivers and higher order streams in the foothills to
lower order streams for spawning. In recent years,
conservationists, anglers and commercial fishermen
have expressed concern over the declining populations
of Golden mahseer due to indiscriminate fishing of
brooders and juveniles besides the adverse effects of
dams. Despite its ecological and economic importance,
specific conservation measures by way of
protective legal provisos are lacking for Golden
mahseer in India. In view of its physical features,
ecology and vulnerable conservation status, there is an
exigent need to promote the Golden mahseer as a
flagship conservation species of the Himalayan rivers.
In view of the recent reports of unprecedented river
regulation projects on the Himalayan rivers and need
to draw global attention of conservationists, we review
various aspects of ecology, life history, interesting
features, traits and threats associated with the reduced
chances of survival of Golden mahseer.
Times Cited:
0