The Golden Mahseer A Threatened Game-Fish of The Himalaya: State-of-the-Art: Taxonomy-Morphology-Biology-Fisheries Ecology-Stock Assessment-Status-Culture & Conservation - Tapa blanda

Much water has flown since volumes were written on how & where to circumvent the Game-Fish Mahseer in the earlier decades of 20th century by HS Thomas, McDonald and their likes in India. Anglers passionately hunt for this Tiger of water, a thrilling sport & cherish a photograph with it. True to its name the Golden Mahseer, is a pleasure to view because of its size and colours on back, sides and the fins. The species (endemic to Himalaya) has never been promoted for the sport quality, except in the northeast by Jia Bhoreli Assam Angling Association. The threats to this species due hydro-power needs of India, Nepal and adjoining countries, have rapidly increased over the last decade. The series of barrages and dams on a single river will severely fragment its habitat. Regulation and linking of rivers in the Himalaya will adversely endanger this species. The magnificent fish deserves a better world, and needs attention on the lines of Project Tiger to prevent its extinction in the Himalaya. Its cousins in the Peninsular India are in a little better condition. This document will be the basis for action by concerned institutions & is a hope to redeem its glory thru increased awareness.

Prakash Nautiyal, FNIE: Obtained M. Sc. & D. Phil. degrees in Zoology, from Bhopal & Garhwal University, respectively. Faculty at Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal (Central) University (2001-2004 at University of Allahabad, India). Contributions: Conservation biology of Golden Mahseer, ecology, aquatic biodiversity and e-flows of Himalayan rivers.