The Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, released a new book, Fishes of Nagaland: Status and New Additions, a comprehensive work jointly authored by Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor at Nagaland University, and Rejuba Pongen, Assistant Professor at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, on September 19, 2025, at Lumami. The book provides an extensive catalog of fish species found in Nagaland. Published by Academic Publishers & Distributors, Lucknow, India, it serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and others dedicated to preserving the aquatic biodiversity of Nagaland.
The release event was attended by Prof. Bendang Ao, Director, RDC; Prof. Ranjit Kumar, Head of the Department of Zoology; and Dr. Lobeno Mozhui, also from the Department of Zoology, Nagaland University.
Rivers, streams, and wetlands of Nagaland support a wide variety of fish species, many of which are unique to the region. Despite this richness, the fish fauna of Nagaland has historically been underexplored, with minimal scientific documentation.
The book provides a detailed overview of the freshwater fish species in Nagaland, based on extensive field research, an in-depth literature review, and published reports. It offers insights into the ecological roles, distribution, and conservation status of these species, with particular attention to newly discovered species, highlighting Nagaland as a hotspot for aquatic biodiversity.
It examines the taxonomic classification, distinguishing characteristics, and geographic distribution of fish species across rivers and wetlands in Nagaland. The book also addresses the conservation challenges these species face, including habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing, while emphasizing the region’s potential for further scientific exploration.
In addition to documenting the status of species, the book underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. The authors advocate for protecting aquatic ecosystems, restoring degraded habitats, and promoting sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term survival of fish species in the state.
By encouraging ongoing research and fostering collaboration among scientists, local communities, and policymakers, the book seeks to inspire efforts to preserve Nagaland’s rich aquatic heritage for future generations.