Functional diversity of fish species in Panaha River, Gulmi district , Nepal
Date
2024
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Abstract
Abstract
Functional diversity reflects functional characteristics and their responses to
environmental changes. For the study, four season's data was taken in the Panaha River
of Gulmi District, form April 2023 to January 2024. This research involved the analysis
of functional diversity and detailed exploration of the interconnection between functional
traits and environmental conditions. To determine potential variations among
environmental conditions a one-way ANOVA was done. Species and environmental
variables were analyzed through multivariate analysis, canonical correspondence analysis
(CCA) and intra- traits relationships were evaluated using principal component analysis
(PCA). The research shows a diverse aquatic ecosystem hosting 19 fish species from 4
different Orders and 6 Families, with a total of 836 individuals collected fish. Seasonal
variations showed the highest species diversity in summer. Schizothorax plagiostomus
(20.93%) and Garra rupecula (19.62%) were the most dominant species. Cypriniformes
(74%) appear as the dominant order and Cyprinidae (53%) being the most species rich
family. Comparative analysis on functional traits among the species shows
Mastacembelus armatus as the largest species, while Schistura species was the smallest in
measurement. Body shapes, position in water, caudal fin types, and mouth orientations
appear diverse among the fishes .Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) show the
EC, velocity, temperature, width are highly associated and influence factors for change in
fish functional traits. PCA provide interrelationships among morphological traits,
indicating strong positive correlations among certain traits and negative correlations with
some others. This study provides the essential information for maintaining healthy aquatic
ecosystems and biodiversity in the region. Knowledge on functional diversity play key
role for identifying particular important species, evaluating ecosystem health and increase
conservation efforts.
Description
Keywords
Fish species, Functional diversity