The present rapid survey study was conducted to assess the ichthyofauna status of the Upper Lake, Bhopal, with a particular focus on the role and management of Self-Recruiting Species (SRS). Following the wetland assessment and monitoring framework of the Ramsar Convention and the Mediterranean Wetland, eight representative sampling stations were surveyed from September 2024 to January 2025. Fish specimens were identified using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 50 fish species belonging to 14 families were recorded, with Cyprinidae dominating (24 species), followed by Channidae, Mastacembelidae, Bagridae, Siluridae, and Ambassidae. The majority (85%) of the catch comprised self-recruiting native species, while only 15% consisted of stocked Indian Major Carps (IMCs). SRS, including several Small Indigenous Species (SIS), play a vital role in food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem stability, supporting over 500 fisher households dependent on daily catches. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by invasive exotic species such as Oreochromis mossambicus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, and Clarias gariepinus. A conceptual framework for SRS management was developed, integrating the assessment, monitoring, and community-based management strategies. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable wetland management, regulation of invasive species, and protection of native breeding habitats to ensure the resilience of SRS populations and to secure nutritional and livelihood benefits for dependent communities.
Key words: SRS Self-Recruiting Species, Invasive Species, Conservation, Framework