The hump-backed mahseer is often called ‘one of the world’s hardest fighting freshwater game fish’ and can grow almost 1.5 meters in length and weigh upto 60 kilograms.

However, its population has decreased by 90 percent in the last 15 years. This is probably why in 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has red-listed the Tor remadevii or the hump-backed mahseer endemic to the Cauvery River in Karnataka in India as critically endangered following a taxonomic evaluation.

The medium to large bodied freshwater fish widely distributed in Indian rivers, the Mahseer belonging to the genus Tor is restricted to a major geographical region in India.

The Wildlife Association of South India (WASI) is dedicated to conserving the Cauvery Mahseer and work towards protecting the river and conducting anti-poaching activities in co-ordination with the Forest Department, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka Fisheries Department and local communities.

WASI pioneered the model of protecting critical Mahseer habitat by introducing the concept of “catch and release” sustainable sport fishing into Karnataka at Galibore and Bheemshwari. They collaborate with highly credible scientific organizations and conservation partners as well.

Read the full story that first appeared in Traveldine here: