Lepidosirenidae
Systematic position: Lepidosirenidae are members of the order Lepidosireniformes, a family of lungfish. In agricultural contexts, they are considered bio-agents that negatively impact hydrotechnical infrastructure. By inhabiting irrigation networks, they interfere with water management crucial for intensive farming, especially in regions producing aquatic crops.
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Lepidosirenidae
Crops and areas affected: The primary impact is observed in paddy fields and irrigation systems where water depth is strictly regulated. Rice (Oryza sativa) is the most affected crop because any disruption to the water level caused by biological burrowing directly affects the growth environment and nutrient distribution within the soil of the rice paddies.
Biology and life cycle: These organisms possess an exceptional survival mechanism known as aestivation. During dry seasons, they bury themselves in the substrate, creating mucus-lined burrows. This state of dormancy allows them to survive in dried-out irrigation canals, ensuring that the population persists even when the water supply is temporarily suspended by farmers.
Nature of damage: The damage is primarily mechanical. By constructing extensive burrow systems within dikes and canal embankments, these lungfish compromise the structural integrity of the irrigation network. This leads to seepage, soil erosion, and failure of water retention mechanisms, forcing producers to divert resources toward infrastructure repair instead of crop management.
Protection measures: Management requires a combination of engineering and maintenance strategies:
- Lining irrigation ditches with concrete or impermeable membranes to prevent burrowing.
- Regular dredging and sediment removal to destroy dormant habitats.
- Implementation of mechanical filters and screens at water intakes.
- Systematic monitoring of canal walls for structural integrity during the off-season.