Assam: Invasive Crocodile Catfish Found in Bahini River, Posing Threat to Local Ecosystem

GUWAHATI: The Crocodile Catfish, an invasive species, has been found in the Bahini River in Guwahati's Basistha area, raising concerns about possible harm to the environment.

Experts warn that the Crocodile Catfish, which eats smaller fish and larvae, could harm the local aquatic life by reducing native fish populations and upsetting the natural balance. If their numbers keep growing, it could affect biodiversity in the long run.

In response to the alarming find, the State Fishery Department has collected samples for analysis to determine the extent of the threat. The discovery comes amid growing concerns over the spread of invasive species in Assam’s rivers, raising the need for urgent intervention to protect native aquatic life.

Meanwhile, earlier last month, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) had discovered a new species of pangolin in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

The species had been named Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica) and was genetically distinct from Chinese and Indian pangolins found in India.

The discovery had been made in Silluk village, East Siang district, in March 2024, when ZSI researcher Lenrik Konchok Wangmo had come across a pangolin caught by local villagers. Following a careful study and genetic sampling, the animal had been released safely in the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary.

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