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Cormorants Reveal Hidden Invasive Fish in Sukhna Lake
18 Jan
Summary
- Photographs of cormorants helped identify invasive species previously unknown to researchers.
- An invasive Amazonian sailfin catfish was identified from a cormorant's catch.
- A rare barred spiny eel, not on previous checklists, was documented by a cormorant's catch.
Photographs of cormorants hunting have provided crucial insights into the biodiversity of Sukhna Lake, revealing previously undocumented species and invasive threats. Award-winning photographer Anuj Jain's images, initially focused on the birds, led to the identification of an invasive Amazonian sailfin catfish, highlighting the illegal release of aquarium species. This discovery alerted zoology and wildlife departments to a significant ecological concern.
Further photographic evidence from a cormorant’s catch, documented by Dr. Manjit Singh and analyzed by fish expert Dr. Onkar S Brraich, identified a barred spiny eel. This eel was notably absent from previous comprehensive species checklists compiled in 2005-2006 and 2012-2014 by the university's Zoology department.
The findings underscore the significant contribution of citizen scientists and wildlife photographers to conservation. Dr. Ravneet Kaur, principal investigator for an upcoming Sukhna lake biodiversity project, plans to incorporate these photographic records into official data, even if live specimens are not collected during planned netting operations. This collaboration between nature, photography, and science enriches our understanding of local ecosystems.
