Studies on Crustacean Diversity in the Aquatic Habitats of Udhampur District, J&K

Authors

  • Dr Sanjay Kotwal Department of Zoology, G.G.Z.S M., Degree College, Reasi, J&K
  • Dr Sarshad Hussain Department of Zoology, SCSGDC, Mendhar, J&K
  • Dr Rahul Kait Dr Rahul Kait, Department of Zoology, GGM Science College Jammu, J&K

Abstract

Crustacea, form an important component of aquatic biotic community. These organisms act as important link in the aquatic food chains besides being viable indicators of trophic status of the aquatic ecosystems. Crustacea are vital for stability and integrity of an aquatic ecosystems. The present study in this context involved a survey of various aquatic habitats of Udhampur district of Jammu province of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This investigation recorded 17 species of crustacea belonging to 14 genera and 9 families from aquatic habitats of Udhampur district. The crustacean fauna recorded include 10 species of Cladocera, 4 species of Copepoda, 2 species of Decapoda (freshwater Crab) and 1 species of Ostracoda. The percental contribution of different groups of crustacea followed a trend Cladocera (58.8%) > Copepoda (23.5%) > Decapoda (17.6%)>Ostracoda (5.8%) in Udhampur. Further the lentic habitats recorded a rich crustacean diversity as compared to lotic habitats.

Key words: crustacea, lentic, lotic

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Author Biography

Dr Sarshad Hussain, Department of Zoology, SCSGDC, Mendhar, J&K

 

 

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Dr Sanjay Kotwal, Dr Sarshad Hussain, & Dr Rahul Kait. (2026). Studies on Crustacean Diversity in the Aquatic Habitats of Udhampur District, J&K. International Journal of Life Sciences, 14(2), 125–131. Retrieved from https://ijlsci.in/ls/index.php/home/article/view/1681

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Life Sciences

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Sanjay Kotwal, Dr Sarshad Hussain, Dr Rahul Kait

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