Published Paper Details:

Freshwater ecosystems serve as critical habitats supporting diverse aquatic life and complex trophic interactions. This research examines the food web structure and dynamics of two important freshwater systems in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh--the Gorakhpur Dam and Silgi River. Understanding food web complexity is essential for assessing ecosystem health, identifying keystone species, and developing effective conservation strategies. The study employed systematic sampling across different seasons (monsoon, winter, and summer) during 2023-2024, collecting data on phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish species, and aquatic vegetation. A total of 48 phytoplankton species, 32 zooplankton species, 27 macroinvertebrate taxa, and 23 fish species were identified across both systems. Food web analysis revealed four distinct trophic levels with primary producers dominated by diatoms and green algae, primary consumers including rotifers and cladocerans, secondary consumers comprising insect larvae and small fish, and tertiary consumers represented by predatory fish species. The Gorakhpur Dam exhibited higher species diversity (Shannon index H'=3.24) compared to Silgi River (H'=2.87), though the river showed greater seasonal variation. Connectivity analysis indicated 156 trophic links in the dam versus 134 in the river, suggesting more complex food web structure in lentic systems. Anthropogenic impacts including agricultural runoff, fishing pressure, and habitat modification were identified as major threats to food web stability. The study provides baseline ecological data crucial for sustainable management of these freshwater resources and highlights the need for integrated watershed management approaches to preserve aquatic biodiversity.