Freshwater Fish Diversity and Their Conservation Status in Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A Review.

Understanding fish diversity and its distribution patterns are principal issues for scientists and managers concerned with the extinction processes of fresh water fish species. The aim of current review is to assess the relevant literature describing the diversity, ecology and current population conservation status of freshwater fish of the Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Peer reviewed papers, published during 1976 to 2017, describing freshwater fish diversity at the study site, were selected. Out of four (04) set criteria, two criteria were regarding diversity and distribution of freshwater fish, whereas the other two were related to conservation status and their ecological importance. In total, 82 freshwater fish species belonging to 17 families have been reported at the study site. It was observed that, out of these reported families, most dominant families were Cyprinidae (53.7%), Sisiridae (7.3%), and Bagridae and Channidae 4.9% each. Conservation status of the studied freshwater fish fauna of the Southern Punjab indicated 73% of the total species as least concern, 16% species were not evaluated, 6% were near threatened, 4% were found vulnerable, whereas 1% of the total observed species as data deficient. Published record showed that fresh water fish population is continuously decreasing due to overexploitation, illegal fishing activities and alteration in water flow through diversion and damming. The freshwater fish population has also been reduced intensely due to many factors including pollution, habitat degradation, and overexploitation. In conclusion, certain measures including establishment of nature reserve, simulated proliferation and releasing are needed to conserve fish diversity in the area. Habitat restoration should be given consideration for the restoration of diversity of fish in their natural environment. A complete survey to evaluate the current diversity and conservation status of different freshwater fish species is, furthermore, highly recommended at the study site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]