Issues on the inclusion of Puntius denisonii (Day), a freshwater ornamental fish of global value, as Schedule-I species under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021 of India

Puntius denisonii is popularly known as Miss Kerala in India or Denison barb Red line torpedo the global ornamental fish trade. The species endemic to fast-flowing rivers and streams of Western Ghats India. was not very popular earlier aquatic trade but has been great demand aquarium since it exhibited at AQARAMA 1997 Singapore ranked third under new category. export from started 1996–1997, which increased progressively constituted about 60%–65% a total 1.44 million US$ worth exported 2007–2008. Thereafter, declining presently became negligible. It attributed depleting stocks P. Ghats. recommended be listed endangered on IUCN red list CAMP workshop held NBFGR, Lucknow, September 1997, owing habitat degradation number mature individuals wild. categorized Vulnerable 2009 Endangered 2015 list. Department Fisheries, Government restricted collection smaller size natural water bodies 2008 revive wild stocks. Ministry Environment, Forest Climate Change, now proposed include along with two other freshwater species, Semiplotus semiplotus (Assamese kingfish) Osteobrama belangeri (Manipur osteobrama), Schedule-I Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2021 this Schedule are prohibited hunted throughout country. captive breeding technology already developed country more than decade back, being produced commercially several farms including hatcheries Government. also cultured commercial scale by many farmers Indonesia supplied cheaper rates, color strains. major factors that responsible for depletion overall biodiversity Ghat regions discussed detail. conflicts repercussions will arise because inclusion Barb any discussed.