Zoogeographical Distribution and Taxonomic Diversity of Fauna in the Indo-Gangetic Plain: A Review
Yogesh Harishchandra Wasu *
Department of Zoology, PSGVPM's SIP Art's GBP Science and STKV Sangh Commerce College Shahada MS 425409, Affiliated to KBC North Maharashtra University Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.
Megha Ravjibhai Chovatia
Department of Lifesciences, School of Science, Dr. Subhash University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India.
Manoranjana Nirmale
Department of Zoology, Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji College, Omerga affiliated with Dr. B.A.M.U., Maharashtra, India.
V. Sreedevi
Govt. City College(A), Nayapul, Hyderabad, Telangana-500002, India.
Mandeep Singh Azad
KVK Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Anup Kumar Verma
Department of Zoology, Acharya Narendra Dev Kisan P.G. College, Babhnan, Gonda, U.P, India.
Sulekha
Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, IFTM University Moradabad-244102, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Lalit Upadhyay
Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) represents one of the most extensive and ecologically significant alluvial landscapes of South Asia, supporting diverse fauna across riverine ecosystems, wetlands, floodplains, grasslands, forests and agricultural habitats. This review examines the zoogeographical distribution and taxonomic diversity of fauna within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, with an emphasis on vertebrate and invertebrate assemblages, ecological determinants, habitat heterogeneity and conservation concerns. The region supports mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. Major vertebrate fauna include the Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), migratory waterfowl and economically important freshwater fishes such as rohu and catla. Invertebrate diversity includes pollinating insects, aquatic macroinvertebrates, arachnids, molluscs and crustaceans that contribute to ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling. The review also examines the influence of climatic conditions, hydrological connectivity, vegetation structure, floodplain dynamics and soil characteristics on faunal distribution patterns. River systems such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Gandak, Ghaghara and Kosi function as ecological corridors that facilitate species dispersal and migration. Habitat heterogeneity across the upper, middle and lower Gangetic plains supports varied trophic interactions and ecological adaptations. Anthropogenic pressures, including urbanisation, agricultural intensification, industrial pollution, habitat fragmentation, wetland degradation, invasive species and climate change, have affected biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Integrated conservation strategies supported by GIS, remote sensing and molecular tools are essential for protecting faunal diversity and maintaining ecological resilience within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Keywords: Indo-Gangetic Plain, zoogeography, faunal diversity, taxonomic diversity, riverine ecosystems, wetland ecosystems, floodplain biodiversity, vertebrates, invertebrates, habitat heterogeneity, biodiversity conservation