Faunal Diversity of Vembanad Lake : A Ramsar Site in Kerala, India

Contents: 1. Faunal diversity of Vembanad Lake: an overview/R.A. Khan, N.C. Nandi, M.K. Dev Roy and C. Radhakrishnan. 2. General ecology/N.C. Nandi, R.A. Khan and M.K. Dev Roy. 3. Vertebrate diversity of environs/C. Radhakrishnan, K.C. Gopi and Muhamed Jafer Palot. 4. Invertebrate diversity/M.K. Dev Roy, N.C. Nandi and R.A. Khan. 5. Macrobenthos/N.C. Nandi and M.K. Dev Roy. 6. Fisheries and socioeconomic aspects/N.C. Nandi and M.K. Dev Roy. 7. Conservation and management aspects/R.A. Khan, C. Radhakrishnan, N.C. Nandi and M.K. Dev Roy.

From the Preface: "The Vembanad Lake was surveyed twice as Rapid Assessment Surveys during 2002 and 2003 to understand and evaluate the overall hydrobiological status of this lake. Besides observations on vertebrates, fishes and shellfishes, collections of invertebrate specimens were made from the lake. The recollected materials, though not exhaustive, are comprised of nine different groups, which were identified by experts of respective groups. As such it is aimed to prepare this document based on the collection and observations made during the course of survey as well as from literature. Thus, this document provides readers with adequate information on vertebrate and invertebrate faunal diversity and their distribution at upstream and downstream of the lake. This comprehensive document will serve as useful aid to lake researchers and managers for conservation and restoration for the lake."