Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Freshwater Ostracods in Rajsamand Lake, Rajasthan
Prem Singh* Deepali Lal** and Dinesh Singh*
*Department of Zoology, S.P.C Government College, Bhim - 305921 (India) **Department of Zoology, S.D. Government College, Beawar - 305901 (India)
ABSTRACT
The present study investigates the diversity, abundance, and seasonal distribution of freshwater ostracods in Rajsamand Lake, Rajasthan, over a three-year period (October 2019 to September 2021). Ostracods, belonging to the order Podocopida and family Cyprididae, are small crustaceans considered important bioindicators of ecological change in aquatic environments. Zooplankton samples were systematically collected from five different sites using standard plankton net techniques and preserved for laboratory identification and density estimation. A total of seven ostracod species were identified: Eucypris bispinosa, Hemicypris fossulata, Cyclocypris laevis, Cypris protubera, Strandesia elongata, Cyclocypris globosa, and Hemicypris fimbriatus. Among these, Cyclocypris laevis and Hemicypris fossulata were the most dominant species across most sites. Spatial and temporal analysis revealed that ostracod diversity peaked during the summer season and was lowest during the monsoon, with Site V showing the highest species richness. This study highlights the ecological significance of ostracods and their usefulness as indicators for monitoring freshwater ecosystem health and environmental variations.