Biological features, distribution, and conservation of the near-threatened Gangetic leaf fish Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822): A review

Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) is a small indigenous species (SIS) and commercially important food fish found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Thailand. Concerns have arisen due to the gradual decline in its abundance, reflected by poor catches and limited availability of this species in local markets. Habitat loss and overexploitation pose significant threats to this species, leading to its classification as near threatened by the IUCN Bangladesh. Despite the absence of dedicated conservation efforts for N. nandus in Indian subcontinent, this study aims to investigate the species' biology, ecology, distribution within the country and globally, as well as its threats, conservation strategies, and research needs. Additionally, a proposed conservation framework for this near-threatened species is presented, which can be adapted for implementation in other nations facing similar challenges.