Assessing the societal benefits of mahseer ( Tor spp.) fishes to strengthen the basis for their conservation

Mahseer (Tor spp., Cyprinidae) are iconic, large-bodied, migratory freshwater fishes of Asian rivers. Long valued as a food source and serving other societal roles, these severely threatened by broad range interacting escalating human impacts, including dam construction, water pollution, over-exploitation, habitat destruction. therefore beneficial to people, both directly indicators ecosystem functionality the associated service benefits provided rivers that they inhabit. A literature review demonstrated wild mahseer populations have direct role in 11 36 services assessed indicative further 18 habitats support them. Recognition this is helpful describing non-specialist public policy-making communities diversity values their supporting habitats, hence importance conservation. Assessment which contribute an approach could usefully be applied promote conserving ‘umbrella’ taxa