Study of Zooplankton Diversity of Small Lentic Ecosystem, Lohara, Gondia, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Zooplankton ubiquitously present in all the freshwater bodies of World. The study of Zooplankton structure of the fresh water body reflects the ecological health of it. The study of Zooplankton biodiversity is helpful in evaluating the trophic status of that water body. The present study is carried out in the small lentic ecosystem present at village Lohara of Gondia district. Study reveals that pond harbours total 29 genera of Zooplankton among which 17 genera belongs to group Rotifera followed by Cladocera with 7 genera and 5 genera of Copepoda. High dominance of Rotifers in the water body especially genus Brachionus indicating presence of high percentage of suspended particles in it which leads to slight Eutrophication. The present investigation may help the concerned authorities to conserve the water body for the future