Editors: Dr Mukul Kumar Baruah, Dr Rahul Kanti Nath & Dr Joyobrato Nath (2025)

ISBN: 97978-93-94174-62-7

Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Umiurem River, Shangpung, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi – 793101, Meghalaya, India

The ichthyofaunal diversity of the Umiurem River in Shangpung, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, was assessed to document the species composition and evaluate the ecological status of this freshwater ecosystem. This study was conducted from October 2023 to April 2024 using various traditional fishing methods with the assistance of local fishermen. Fish specimens were collected using fishing rods, bamboo traps, and scoop nets and were preserved in 7% formalin. Morphometric and meristic characteristics were recorded for species identification using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 26 fish species belonging to 10 families and 4 orders were documented. The order Cypriniformes was found to be the most dominant, accounting for 15 species, followed by Perciformes (6 species), Siluriformes (4 species), and Osteoglossiformes (1 species). The conservation status of the recorded species was evaluated using IUCN Red List criteria: 20 species were categorized as Least Concern (LC), 1 as Endangered (EN), 1 as Near Threatened (NT), 1 as Vulnerable (VU), 1 as Not Evaluated (NE), and 3 species remained unidentified. Statistical analysis using the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index yielded a value of H = 1.839, indicating a moderate level of species diversity in the Umiurem River. Meristic analysis revealed significant variability in fish morphology, contributing to understanding species-specific adaptations and habitat preferences. Seasonal observations suggested higher abundance during the summer months, possibly linked to breeding cycles and water quality dynamics. The findings contribute valuable baseline data to the ichthyofaunal records of Meghalaya, a region with high endemism yet underexplored in scientific literature. This study emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity assessments, habitat protection, and community-driven conservation strategies to ensure sustainable management of fish resources in the Umiurem River. Given the ecological and socio-economic importance of these aquatic resources, integrated conservation approaches involving local stakeholders are imperative.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: shamimbiotech2009@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Phaitlang Langstang and Kangkan Jyoti Sarma. 2025. Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Umiurem River, Shangpung, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. In: Mukul Kumar Baruah, Rahul Kanti Nath and Joyobrato Nath (Eds.), Transdisciplinary Science: Mapping the Future of Research. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 185-195. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-62-7_17