Arunachal Clan Translocates Endangered Fish to Save Tradition

In a unique conservation effort, nine members of the Sangno clan in Arunachal Pradesh's East Kameng district have translocated 52 fingerlings of an endangered ray-finned fish, Schizothorax pelzami, locally known as Ngarsing, to a stream where it can breed without threat from the predatory mahseer.

The initiative, carried out on June 28, aims both to protect the fish and to sustain the tradition of community fishing, which is integral to the tribe's culture. The fingerlings were collected from the Lapabung stream at Talo village and released into the Richaso stream at Weshi, the clan's native village, about 20 km away.

Amar Sangno, a clan member, explained that introducing the fish into a stretch of Richaso stream inaccessible to mahseer increases their survival and breeding chances. The mahseer, often called the 'tiger of the water', is a prized sport fish but preys on smaller species like Ngarsing.

Following the translocation, village headman Gajali Sangno proposed a blanket ban on fishing in Richaso for five years to allow the population to recover. Long-term plans include eco-angling and stream-trail trekking to promote sustainable tourism.

The two villages, Talo and Weshi, are located about 20 km apart at an average elevation of 3,400 feet above sea level in East Kameng district. The Ngarsing, a ray-finned fish of the carp family, is considered endangered in the region due to habitat loss and predation.

This clan-led initiative highlights a community-based approach to conservation, blending ecological preservation with cultural continuity. The Sangno clan hopes that after the five-year ban, periodic community fishing can resume, ensuring the tradition lives on for future generations.