Initiative launched in Periyar Tiger Reserve for managing invasive African catfish

Published 11 July 2026 · india

A conservation initiative in Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) seeks to demonstrate how the management of invasive species can protect biodiversity while simultaneously improving livelihoods of

A conservation initiative in Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) seeks to demonstrate how the management of invasive species can protect biodiversity while simultaneously improving livelihoods of local populations. The initiative, launched on Friday and involving multiple agencies, focuses on managing the invasive African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). This highly predatory species is considered a major ecological threat to the Periyar freshwater ecosystem. But instead of treating the invasive fish merely as waste following its removal, the project focuses on a circular conservation model. The harvested African catfish are transformed into high-value products including pet chewers, fish jerky, fish pickles and other value-added products.

The collaborative programme is led by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in partnership with the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation (PTCF), the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries of the University of Kerala, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The strategy achieves three objectives at one go, KUFOS said in a statement. It reduces the population of an invasive predator, generates sustainable income opportunities for tribal communities and demonstrates a financially viable conservation model that can be replicated elsewhere. Inaugurating the programme on Friday, KUFOS Vice-Chancellor A.

Biju Kumar said that the management of invasive alien species is not merely a local conservation exercise but a national and global responsibility. The Periyar initiative demonstrates how biodiversity conservation can be successfully integrated with sustainable livelihood generation by empowering indigenous communities. Smrithy Raj, a University of Kerala researcher who leads the initiative, described it as a practical, scalable and globally relevant model for protected areas and wildlife reserves facing invasive species challenges. The PTR is recognised as one of Asia’s most important freshwater biodiversity hotspots. Its river systems harbour nine point-endemic freshwater fish species, found nowhere else on Earth, Rajeev Raghavan of KUFOS, and IUCN South Asia Chair (freshwater fish), was quoted as saying in the statement.

As part of the programme, faculty members from the Department of Fish Processing Technology, KUFOS, conducted intensive hands-on training for members of tribal communities on scientific processing techniques, product preparation, packaging and quality assurance, through a special plan of ICAR. The products will be standardised and marketed through local Eco Development Committees (EDCs).