Aquaresources of Patan Wetland, Murshidabad:Floral and Faunal Diversity

Abstract

As any natural habitat, wetlands are important in supporting species diversity. In addition to being essential contributors to biodiversity and ecological productivity, wetlands also provide a variety of services for human populations, including water for drinking and irrigation, recreational opportunities and habitat for economically important fisheries. However, aquatic systems have been increasingly threatened, directly and indirectly, by human activities. In addition to the challenges posed by land-use change, environmental pollution, and water diversion, aquatic systems are expected to experienced soon begin added stress of global climate change. Biodiversity enumeration of such wetlands, especially in terms of ecologically sensitive species of both flora and fauna is important for estimating the general health as well as development of proper conservation plans for the entire ecosystem. 'Patan beel', a relatively unexplored wetland of North-West Murshidabad, is located between latitude 24° 2' 4'' North and 24° 3' 20'' North and longitude 88° 1' 18'' East and 88° 0' 15'' East. This approximately 500 acres wetland contains forested area, some human habitation and low but cultivable land. The area is unique in floral and faunal composition. This study has revealed that 'Patan beel' contains 47 species of plants, 64 species of indigenous fish, 3 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles and 21 species of birds. Some of the birds are totally aquatic, some are migratory in nature. The seasonal occurrence of some plants and their associated fauna is also noted from Patan wetland. To conserve and manage wetland resources, it is important to have inventory of wetlands and their aqua-resources both in terms of flora and fauna.