Abstract

A survey of freshwater fishes was conducted in two east-flowing and three west-flowing rivers in Kerala part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve during 1993-95. Ninety two species including 2 new species were recorded from the area. Seven species were new records to Kerala. Thirty seven species are endemic to Western Ghats and 9 strictly endemic to Kerala. Estimation of abundance shows that 22. 83 of the total were rare and 11. 96 very rare. Major threats to the fauna are discussed