Aquatic Biodivcjrsity in the Paddy Fields of Kashmir Valley (J and K) India

摘要

The aquatic biodiversity of the rice fields of Kashmir was investigated with special reference to plankton, nekton and benthic fauna. The study aimed at investigating the taxocoenosis and ecology of the various components of the aquatic biodiversity harbouring, the rice fields of Kashmir. The study encompassed a period of two successive crop cycles between Apr 2005 and Dec 2006. A total of 88 taxa were reported from the representative study sites. Phytoplankton was represented by 29 taxa, zooplanktoncomprised of 23 taxa and 1 larva, 29 taxa belonged to nekton and 7 taxa represented benthic fauna. The study was carried out at six representative study sites separated spatially and covering various administrative areas of the valley. The significanceof paddy fields m preserving biological diversity of the region was highlighted.