Fish diversity and IUCN conservation status assessment in the Mat River, Mizoram, Northeast India

Abstract

The Mat River, located in the Indian state of Mizoram, is a significant freshwater ecosystem supporting diverse fish species. This study aims to assess and document the fish diversity of the Mat River, providing baseline data for conservation and sustainable fisheries management. Freshwater ecosystems harbour a diverse array of fish species, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of fish diversity and conservation status, based on the IUCN Red List, in selected freshwater habitats. A total of 31 fish species belonging to 20 genera were recorded. Among them, 15 species are classified as Least Concern (LC), 6 as Near Threatened (NT), 1 as Vulnerable (VU), 1 as Data Deficient (DD), and 9 as Not Evaluated (NE). This study highlights the need for conservation efforts, especially for species with uncertain population trends and those categorized as threatened.