Zooplankton Diversity of Wetland Ecosystems of Goa

Zooplankton diversity of two frestiwater and two brackisliwater wetlands of Goa hiave beeen investigated during 2001-02 and 2002-03. A total of 42 species of zooplankton have been recorded, of which 41 species arc from freshwater wetlands, 29 species from brackish wetlands/ fisheries and 28 species common to both categories. This shows higher diversity of zooplankton in freshwater wetlands than in the brackishwater wetlands in Goa. The population density of different zooplankton groups as measured in terms of number of organisms per 50 litres of water have revealed higher population densities in freshwater wetlands (165-342 / 50 L) in comparison to that in brackishwater wetlands (86-181 / 50 L). In general, premonsoon population is higher than postmonsoon population in freshwater wetlands, while postmonsoon population is higher than premonsoon population in brackishwater wetlands.