A Study of Fish Diversity of Two Lacustrine Wetlands in the Upper Benue Basin, Nigeria
D. L. David
Department of Biological Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
J. A. Wahedi *
Department of Biological Sciences, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
U. N. Buba
Department of Animal Science, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
B. D. Ali
Department of Biological Sciences, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria.
B. W. Barau
Department of Biological Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The studies were conducted to evaluate the fish species diversity of two lakes viz: Kiri and Gyawana, at monthly intervals for the period of two years. Fish records were based entirely on the landings of fishermen. Fish were sorted into taxonomic groups, identified to family or species level, counted and weighed in groups by species. 57 species in 16 fish families were observed at Kiri Lake and 40 species in 16 fish families were observed at Gyawana Lake. There was no significant difference in species diversity within fish families in Kiri and Gyawana lakes (P>0.05). Under criteria 1 and 4 of the Ramsar, both Kiri and Gyawana Lakes were qualified as Ramsar sites. This result further confirmed how urgent and critical our natural wetland ecosystems especially the Kiri and Gyawana Lakes should be conserved.
Keywords: Fish diversity, lakes, wetlands, Nigeria