Conservation of fish genetic resources: An introduction to state fishes of India.

Over exploitation, habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species and pollution has led to the loss of native germplasm. Biodiversity conservation is very important to preserve species and also to safeguard the local interest and the cultural attachment of people to certain species. Several species from India are already extinct and many are endangered, threatened or listed in diff erent categories based on their natural presence. The estimated current extinction rate is very high, ranging between 1000-10000 times the natural rate . Hence, appropriate strategies for biodiversity conservation management are required