The proposed project, study on “Natural Habitat of Globally Endangered Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) and its conservation for ecological, economical, and cultural importance” will be assessing the current status of habitat of Golden Mahseer. The study will, primarily, identify and assess the conservation threats of Golden Mahseer in depth.

Golden Mahseer is declared endangered globally as per the IUCN. Fortunately, the fish is still struggling to find refuge in some rivers of Bhutan. Intact riparian biodiversity, absent of mega industries which contributes to river pollution and disturbance to breeding ground of the fish, and lack of extensive habitat degradation could be some of the reasons which helped Golden Mahseer to thrive in rivers of Bhutan.

Further, through the coordination of advocacies and awareness campaign among the riparian communities, and other relevant agencies, social perception on conservation of Golden Mahseer for ecological, economical, and cultural importance will be evaluated.

In a similar way, the advocacies will be organized involving riparian communities, other parties like those company who are involved in extraction of sand, boulders, and stones in the project site, and representatives from local government and other relevant organization.

An Endangered Golden Mahseer is commercially important game fish, and has a very high table value in Bhutan. Unfortunately, it is suffering severe declines, and is now considered endangered due to pollution, habitat loss and overfishing. It is reported extinct in many Himalayan countries, which were the natural habitat of Golden Mahseer. It is inextricable with Bhutanese culture, and traditions. It is locally called as Serngya (Yellow fish), and represents the symbol of good luck in

Bhutanese believe.

However, it is undeniable that, the once undisturbed habitat of Golden Mahseer in Bhutan is deteriorated to irreparable extent. The mega industries like hydro powers, and cement, steel, and other mineral factories are sprouting along the study area. With such undesirable activities happening along the endangered Golden Mahseer habitat, it is certainly projected that, extinction of this beautiful fish species is sooner or later going to take place, until appropriate conservation strategies are developed.

Hence, the study is expected to assess the conservation threats in depth and assist in developing the conservation strategies in collaboration with the parties involved in the project.