Ichthyofaunal study in Bhandardara reservoir district Ahmednagar (M.S.)

Abstract

This is the case Ichthyofaunal Study in Bhandardara Reservoir which is commercially exploited over a integral to a wild life sanctuary. A comprehensive and systematic analysis of the physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, plankton, zooplankton density and community structure are critically examined in the thesis. Pertinent literature related to all the aspects of the problem are reviewed in the beginning. Regular monthly investigations from four permanent sampling stations for twenty four months were carried out to collect baseline data on the seasonal changes in climate, hydrology, physico-chemical water quality parameters, nutrient content, primary productivity and ichthyofauna in relation to the Lake of Bhandardara. Yearwise and seasonwise variations in total density and also density of different species of insects were observed. The significance of such variations of each particular parameter were carried out and yearly calculated. The observations regarding all parameters studied were discussed and compared with each other. Zooplanktons occupy a present position in the food webs of aquatic ecosystem. It is in the form of an integral part of the lentic community of the fresh water ecosystem. The Zooplankton are well recognized as these have vital role in food chain and play a key role in recycling of organic matter in an aquatic ecosystem. In the present study the total Zooplankton density sudden increases in the settling of rain water return of favourable conditions in post monsoon period. In the present study total Zooplankton comprises of 4 groups: Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda.