Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Kulsi River: Prime habitat of Dolphin

ABSTRACT: North East India is very rich in faunal and floral diversity. It is the conjunction of Himalaya and In-Burma biodiversity hotspots. Kulsi, a river of Kamrup District originated from Meghalaya and fall into the River Brahmaputra. In Kulsi river, a good numbers of piscivorous Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is present which is schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 once wide spread throughout the Kulsi as well as Brahmaputra River. Few studies have investigated that 29 Dolphin were present in Kulsi River in February, 2009 (Wakid). This paper highlights the list of fish species available inclusive of the causes which could be held accountable for growing decline of diversity. The study was carried out from March 2010 to April 2011. 63 species of fish belonging to 8 orders and 21 families were recorded. Out of these 6 are exotic and the rest are indigenous having ornamental as well as economic values