REVIEW ARTICLE

CURRENT CONSERVATION ISSUES IN Systomus asoka (CYPRINIDAE) ENDEMIC TO KELANI RIVER, SRI LANKA.

Abstract

Systomus asoka (Cyprinidae) is an attractive endemic fish species now confined only to a small area in upper reaches of the Kelani river. Its rapid population decline is due to many reasons i.e. sand mining, water pollution, spreading of noxious alien species, destructive fishing, unplanned watershed land clearance, destructive fishing but river damming is the severe. S. asoka prefers rather deep <2-5m, cool water <20°C, shady rivers of ~1.5m/s flow. These particulars get changed rapidly due to accelerated river damming and channel modification projects. Since reproductive biology, and spawning behaviour of S. asoka not well understood yet, and it is difficult to bring them to breed in captive condition. It’s in situ conservation is more important. River restoration is the appropriate and effective method.

Keywords: Systomus asoka, Cyprinidae, endemic, Kelnai river, threatened, river dam.

How to Cite: Ramani Shirantha,R.R.A, (2016). CURRENT CONSERVATION ISSUES IN Systomus asoka (CYPRINIDAE) ENDEMIC TO KELANI RIVER, SRI LANKA..WILDLANKA, 4(1):Pages 029-033

Published On:2016-03-30

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