UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Zoogeographical Distribution and Taxonomic Diversity of Fauna in the Indo-Gangetic Plain: A Review

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Comparative Assessment of Zooplankton in Active and Non-active Fishing Zones of Kollam, Kerala, India

Chiragkumar Katira — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed zooplankton abundance, phytoplankton density, and selected water quality parameters in active fishing and non-fishing zones off Kollam, Kerala, India. Monthly sampling was conducted from November 2019 to February 2020 in near-shore, coastal, and open-water areas. Active fishing zones were identified using the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge of local fishermen and acoustic observations from a GPS-coupled fish finder, whereas non-fishing zones were selected from adjacent waters without active fishing operations or visible fish shoals during sampling. Surface seawater samples were analysed for temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and silicate, and these variables were examined in relation to phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance. The observed values included temperature ranging from 25.70 to 30.50 °C, salinity from 29.67 to 34.51 ppt, dissolved oxygen from 4.28 to 6.96 mg/l, and silicate from 3.25 to 5.98 mg/l. Zooplankton abundance ranged from 422 to 503 ind. m⁻³, with the maximum value recorded in FZ-1 during November. A total of 53 zooplankton taxa were identified, with copepods forming the dominant group (35 species), followed by decapod larvae, amphipods, isopods, ostracods, chaetognaths, molluscan larvae, tintinnids, appendicularians, fish eggs, and fish larvae. Phytoplankton abundance ranged from 6815 to 10340 cells L⁻¹, with the highest value recorded in FZ-1 during December and the lowest in NFZ-2 during February. Correlation analysis indicated that phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance varied with hydrographic and nutrient conditions, although the strength and direction of associations differed between fishing and non-fishing zones. The findings provide baseline information on plankton dynamics in contrasting fishing habitats off Kollam and may support future monitoring of coastal productivity and ecosystem-based fisheries assessment.