Fish species dwindles in Adyar Ecopark

Even as faunal diversity is improving in the Adyar Ecopark, the number of species of fish has decreased considerably. The number of species of birds has also started to decrease after increasing from 88 to 100 in 2013-2014.

However, species of crabs, dragonflies, butterflies, amphibian, reptiles and mammals are increasing. According to information provided by the Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply S.P. Velumani during the debate on demand for grants for his department, the number of species of fish in the Adyar Ecopark came down from 27 in 2011-2012 to just six in 2015-2016.

Claiming that the condition was “really alarming,” a research scholar in fisheries said the issue was an indicator of pollution.

“The creek is a highly fertile place. The number of native species of fish in the creek should be more than 25. Now we find only six species capable of enduring difficult conditions,” he said.

‘Invasive species a threat’

However, officials of Adyar Poonga said the reduction had nothing to do with pollution. “Our research shows that invasive species have led to the reduction of endemic species of fish. It also points to the challenges likely to be faced by rivers because of interlinking projects across the country. The reduction of species in Adyar Poonga proves that interlinking of rivers will lead to loss of endemic species in many rivers,” said the official.