Nagaland University researchers are collaborating with the local communities to study and conserve indigenous fish species in the state’s Dikhu River, officials said on Tuesday.
A varsity official said that this research integrates traditional ecological knowledge from local villagers to better understand fish diversity, fish species assessment, indigenous fishing techniques, and community-based fishing practices, an approach that is uncommon in scientific studies in the region.
The Dikhu River, which flows through the Mokokchung and Longleng districts of Nagaland, is one of the most important tributaries of the Brahmaputra River and is home to many freshwater species crucial for local biodiversity and the economy. The study underscored an urgent need for focused conservation efforts in the river systems of Nagaland, the official said, adding that these systems support a unique and rich biodiversity but are threatened by increasing human encroachment and unsustainable practices. It showed that the Dikhu River is not only vital for local communities but also plays an important role in global conservation efforts, he pointed out.
