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Environment
Conservation Journal

"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"

(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)

ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)

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Environment
Conservation Journal

"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"

(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)

ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)

img3
Environment
Conservation Journal

"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"

(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)

ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)

img4
Environment
Conservation Journal

"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"

(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)

ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)

img5
Environment
Conservation Journal

"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"

(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)

ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)

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Evaluation of altitudinal distribution and population dynamics of introduced Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and native Snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) in river Asiganga, Uttarakhand (India)

Madhu Thapliyal

Department of Zoology, Pt. L.M.S. Government autonomous (P.G.) College, Rishikesh Uttarakhand

Madhu Bartwal

Department of Zoology, Doon (P.G.) College of Agriculture, Science & Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Ashish Thapliyal

Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era University,   Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Mountains of Himalaya, with unique topology and geographical regions, are hotspots of biodiversity. Their flora and fauna have been investigated for abundance in species composition and interactions. One of the most important driving forces of ecosystem differentiation is altitudinal gradients that results in changes in species composition. Sometimes, an introduced species can also have a major impact on endemic species if the introduced species can survive in entire altitudinal gradient zone. Our study focuses on this aspect and defines the pattern of altitudinal variation and distribution of Salmo trutta (Brown trout) and native Schizothorax sp. (Snow trout) in river Asiganga (a tributary of Ganges) that originates from Dodital (4400 m). We analyzed population dynamics of both species along altitudinal gradients (2200m to 1100m approximately). The physicochemical parameters of water showed significant variation along the altitudinal gradient. Our study suggests that the population groups of Brown trout are establishing in the lower altitudinal regions of the river Asiganga, and even into the river Ganges, due to their ability to survive in wider range of temperature and availability of food. Usually it is believed that species inhabiting higher elevations are superior competitors at lower temperature while species inhabiting lower altitude are better competitors at warmer temperature. Our study suggests that although altitudinal variations are powerful for species distribution but prey-predator effect and availability of preferred food is also pro-lasting and can have a wider role in distribution of predator fish species.

altitudinal gradient, biodiversity, taxonomical groups, ecosystem differentiation

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Thapliyal, M., Bartwal, M., & Thapliyal, A. (2016). Evaluation of altitudinal distribution and population dynamics of introduced Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and native Snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) in river Asiganga, Uttarakhand (India). Environment Conservation Journal17(1-2), 161-177.

https://doi.org/10.36953/ECJ.2016.171218

Received: 15.05.2016

Accepted: 10.06.2016

First Online: 25.06. 2016

https://doi.org/10.36953/ECJ.2016.171218

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Publisher Name:  Action for Sustainable Efficacious Development and Awareness (ASEA)

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