Indigenous Small Fish (ISF) Resources in a Northeastern State of India (Manipur): Its Endemicity and Threats
摘要
Indigenous small fish species are ecological significance for balancing the ecosystem and have been playing a great role in ethno-medical, and economic support in Manipur, India. Manipur is one of the northeastern states with the highest diversity of Indigenous small fish species, comprising 150 species belonging to 54 genera and 22 families, of which 49 species are endemic. However, these Indigenous small fishes are the most threatened group of species due to a range of anthropogenic activities including, habitat modification, developmental activities, and natural threats driven by global warming. Proper scientific research and documentation are required to address the species-specific threats, and to inform future conservation actions aim at sustaining the fisherfolk’s economy as well as the diverse fisheries resources of Manipur.