As of the latest update on December 11, thirty-six fish species from India, including four freshwater species from Kerala, have been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List for the first time. This designation indicates that these species are either endangered or at risk of extinction without intervention.
The newly listed freshwater species from Kerala, all of which are subterranean (found in water bodies below the surface), include Kryptoglanis Shajii, Horaglanis Abdulkalami, Pangio Bhujia, and Aenigmachanna Gollum. The first three are classified as endangered, while Aenigmachanna Gollum, also known as the snakehead Gollum, falls into the vulnerable category.
Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, an assistant professor at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in Kochi, expressed concern over the status of these subterranean species, considering that there are only 13 such fish species in Kerala, and a quarter of them are already on the Red List.
Of particular note is Aenigmachanna Gollum, which is one of the two freshwater fish species protected in India since the amendment of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act last year. Unfortunately, public awareness regarding this protection is low, and the forest department, responsible for enforcing protection laws, is not well-informed about this development.
The subterranean nature of these fish makes them more vulnerable, as they inhabit areas dominated by human activity. Groundwater extraction poses a significant threat to their existence, leading to a faster risk of extermination compared to other fish species.
The perception problem also contributes to their plight, as the small size and worm-like appearance of these fish may lead people to perceive them as pests, inadvertently causing their destruction. Dr. Rajeev emphasized the importance of awareness efforts, such as workshops and classes, to educate the public about the significance of these species and their role in indicating water safety.
The IUCN Red List serves as a crucial database for governments and policymakers, providing insights into the health of ecosystems and acting as a barometer of the pressure species face to survive. In India, 858 freshwater fish species are currently on the Red List, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts, especially considering the restricted distribution of these species, rendering them exceptionally vulnerable to various environmental threats.
