Habitat suitability analysis of Pengba fish in Loktak Lake and its river basin

Deterioration of water quality condition of lakes and rivers can be harmful to the health of aquatic life forms. This study presents habitat suitability analysis of Pengba fish (Osteobrama belangiri) species in Loktak Lake and its river basin. Pengba is the state fish of Manipur with a restricted distribution range in India, Myanmar and China. This fish species is endemic to a limited habitat range and is currently assessed as a near threatened species and has been reduced dramatically from the Northeast region of India. Water quality parameters of the lake and the nine rivers were used to assess habitat suitability using MIKE 11 ECO Lab and MIKE 21 ECO Lab. Simulated water quality parameters were integrated using a geographic information system (GIS)-based, weighted overlay tool. The suitability of the fish species in the lake and nine rivers draining into the lake were divided into different zones of habitat suitability. This will help in framing conservation strategies, which, in turn, is expected to facilitate and aid in harmonizing eco-sustainability services.