ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY OF KAPILESHWAR (ASHTI) LAKE DISTRICT-WARDHA (MAHARASHTRA), INDIA.

: Zooplankton communities show quick response to environmental changes. As a change in their presence, diversity of species or productivity can provide important indications of environmental disturbance. The presence of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystem terms depends mainly the physico-chemical factors of water. The zooplankton forms of link between phytoplankton and micro invertebrates which in turn provide food to fishes and aquatic birds. Study area for the present investigation was Kapileshwar (Ashti) lake. It is situated near Ashti Taluka-Ashti District-Wardha. The Ashti Town mostly benefited by this lake. The lake is surrounded by agricultural fields, dense forest and the lake water is suitable for domestic purpose, irrigation and fishery activity. For my present investigation duration of 12 month from February 2017-January 2018. The aim of study to investigate zooplankton diversity of Kapileshwar (Ashti) lake. In my present investigation four group's of zooplankton were identified Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepofa and Ostracoda. Total 23 zooplankton were identified.