Genetic Profiling of Wild Bagarius bagarius: Insights from SSR Markers

This book explores the genetic diversity of Bagarius bagarius, a fish species from the River Chenab, using microsatellite markers to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities like pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Through DNA extraction from fish tissue and amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci, the study analyzes key genetic metrics such as allele number, allelic richness, effective allele number, and observed heterozygosity. Findings reveal moderate genetic diversity across populations, with values for allele number (Na) ranging from 3.8 to 4.8 and heterozygosity (Ho) from 0.48 to 0.51, suggesting potential genetic erosion due to human impacts. A UPGMA dendrogram shows two major genetic clades, indicating low to moderate genetic variation. The research emphasizes the need for conservation strategies to preserve genetic diversity and ensure the species' long-term survival amid ecological pressures.