• Mukesh Kumar Napit

Abstract The Bundelkhand region of central India contains numerous irrigation reservoirs, dams, tanks and associated freshwater habitats that support diverse fish communities and provide important ecological and socioeconomic services. The present study reviews and proposes a systematic assessment of ichthyofaunal diversity in selected irrigation reservoirs of Bundelkhand, with emphasis on species composition, taxonomic diversity, seasonal variation, relative abundance and conservation significance. Published studies indicate considerable fish diversity in the region. A regional assessment reported 93 freshwater fish species belonging to six orders and 18 families, with Cypriniformes representing the largest proportion of recorded species. Studies of individual reservoirs have documented 27 species from Matatila Reservoir in Jhansi and 19 species from Saprar Dam in Mauranipur, Jhansi. Seasonal and habitat-related variation in fish assemblages is expected because reservoir water levels, aquatic vegetation, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nutrient availability and fishing pressure vary substantially during the year. The present synthesis indicates that irrigation reservoirs of Bundelkhand constitute important refuges for native freshwater fishes and contribute to inland fisheries and local livelihoods. However, habitat alteration, overfishing, water-quality deterioration, invasive species and fluctuations in reservoir water levels may threaten fish diversity. Regular biodiversity monitoring, habitat conservation, scientific fish stocking, regulation of fishing pressure and community participation are recommended for sustainable management of reservoir fisheries in Bundelkhand.

Keywords: Ichthyofauna, fish diversity, irrigation reservoir, Bundelkhand, freshwater biodiversity, Cypriniformes, fisheries, conservation.

"Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Irrigation Reservoirs in Bundelkhand", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a617-a622, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609075.pdf

"Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Irrigation Reservoirs in Bundelkhand", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa617-a622, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609075.pdf