The discovery of an alligator gar, a non-native predator fish usually found in North America, in Srinagar's Dal Lake has surprised experts and triggered humorous reactions on social media platforms. The fish, with its alligator-like head and pointed teeth, was found by the Lakes Conservation Management Authority during routine de-weeding of the lake. This article discusses the discovery of the alligator gar and its potential impact on the ecosystem of Dal Lake.
Discovery of Alligator Gar in Dal Lake:
The discovery of the alligator gar in Dal Lake has surprised experts in Kashmir as neither alligators nor crocodiles are found in the waters of Kashmir. Joint director of the fisheries department, Abdul Majid Tak, said that the fish is apparently an alligator fish, which has never been spotted in Kashmir before. The fish was found accidentally by the Lakes Conservation Management Authority during routine de-weeding of the lake.
Reaction of People and Experts:
Netizens had a field day making fun of the "foreign delegate" in the lake, especially in the backdrop of the upcoming G20 meeting. People blamed some "crazy" tourist or an aquarium owner for throwing it into the lake. Dr. Farooz Ahmad Bhat, dean at the faculty of fisheries at SKUAST, said the fish was "alien" to Kashmir. Masood Ahmad, research and monitoring in-charge at the Lakes Conservation Management Authority, said that people were left stunned upon seeing the fish as its mouth resembles a crocodile's.
Impact on the Lake Ecosystem:
The presence of the alligator gar in Dal Lake has raised concerns among experts about its potential impact on the lake's ecosystem. The Lakes Conservation Management Authority will check with the fisheries department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) to understand how the presence of the fish could affect the lake and its ecosystem. The fish is known to feed on other fish, which can be dangerous to indigenous fish species.
Alligator Gar: An Invasive Fish:
Alligator gars are indigenous to North America and have been found in other areas after their accidental introduction in water bodies. Although they don't usually attack humans, they can grow up to eight feet and can be dangerous to indigenous fish species. This fish is invasive and can have a significant impact on the local fish species.
Twitterers Reacts with Humor:
Social media was abuzz with humorous reactions to the discovery of the alligator gar in Dal Lake. Many netizens made jokes and puns, with some even calling it the "Dal's way of greeting the G20 summit." Others suspected it to be an unwanted aquarium pet, and urged people to be responsible pet owners to protect our ecosystems.
At The End
The discovery of the alligator gar in Dal Lake has raised concerns among experts and the general public about its potential impact on the lake's ecosystem. The fish, which is invasive, can feed on other fish and endanger the indigenous fish species. The Lakes Conservation Management Authority, along with the fisheries department and SKUAST, will investigate how the presence of the fish can impact the lake's ecosystem. People should be aware of the impact of invasive species and take responsibility for their actions to protect the environment.