047320   IBRAHIM N I, SULIEMAN A M E, HANNACHI S, STEVENSON S L (Biology Dep, Univ of Hail, Hail - Saudi Arabia, Email: abuelhadi@hotmail.com) : The effect of wildfires on wood - decay fungi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Adv life Sci 2020, 8(1), 73 - 7.

In late November and early December of 2019, wildfires occurred over portions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More than 4,000 ha were affected by the wildfires. The objective of the research reported herein was to access the impact of these wildfires on the assemblages of wood - decay fungi associated with the study areas in the park. The investigated fungi were confined to two study areas; the first subjected to a relatively high intensity burn and the second subjected to a relatively low intensity burn. In addition to specimens of fungi obtained in the field, small pieces of coarse woody debris were assembled, brought back to the laboratory and placed in plastic chambers for incubation and kept moist. Over the course of two months, fruiting bodies appearing in these incubation chambers were observed and collected. All specimens from both the field and incubation chambers were identified from sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. A total of 31 different taxa were identified along with nine taxa reported previously as unknown and uncultured. However, almost all of these records were from the study area subjected to the relatively low intensity burn. The relatively high intensity burn site was almost completely devoid of wood - decay fungi.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

047314   RAMTEKE I P, SRINIVASU T (Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Univ, Nagpur - 440 033) : Some additions to the flora of Wardha District. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 517 - 9.

Total four new species of family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) were reported, which include Aeschynomene americana L., Crotalaria pusilla DC., Stylosanthes fruticosa (Retz.) Alston. (Papilionoideae DC.) and Senna uniflora H. S. Irwin & Barneby (Caesalpinioideae DC.). These species were added to the existing flora of Wardha district. Some of them are medicinal plants. Detail taxonomic descriptions, location, status and other relevant information has been given on the basis of fresh collections. Local name of the species along with their medicinal use have been briefly mentioned.

7 ref

047311   BRAMHANKAR K B, GHUGAL S I, RAHILE B S (S. S. E. S. Amaravati's Science Coll, Bhandara) : Melittopalynological studies on pollen load of apis cerana indica from pauni region of Bhandara District (Maharashtra). Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 507 - 11.

The forest area of Pauni region (District Bhandara, Maharashtra State ) is of mix deciduous type forest along with agricultural tracks, which provides a rich diversity of pollen grains. Honeybees play an important role in cross pollination of various indigenous, wild, cultivated, agricultural and horticultural crop plants, resulting into substantial increasing in their yield associated with an improvement in the quality of the crops. Present study was undertaken on bee fauna of Pauni region, which include analysis of pollen pollen load of domesticated honey bee Apis cerana indica, during summer season of 2016. During qualitative analysis of pollen load on honeybees, out of 110 pollen loads, 65 ( 59.9 % ) pollen loads were found to be unifloral, 5 (4.54 % ) bifloral and 40 (36.36 %) multifloral. The plants contributing their pollen grains included Psidium guajava, Alangium salvifolium, Citrus sps., Pongamia pinnata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Mangifera indica, Azadiracta indica, Sonchus olaraceous, Tridax procumbens, Sphaeranthus indicus, Solanum sps., Coriandrum sativum, Physalis minima, Albezia lebbeck, Acasia nilotica, Poaceae sp., Terminalia sps. Sapindus detergens and Bombax ceiba. In all nineteen pollen types, belonging to the plants of fourteen families were obtained from pollen load on the honeybees of Pauni region.

1 illus, 1 table 10 ref

047307   DESHMUKH S S (Shivaji Science Coll, Nagpur) : Leech fauna of Melghat region. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 496 - 8.

Present present paper deals with latest information on species diversity of freshwater and terrestrial leeches of Melghat Region It includes 6 species. belonging to 2 orders ( Rhynchobdellae, Arhynchobdellae) and 2 families (Erpobdellidae and Hirudidae ). Geographic distribution and morphological characters of each species have been given.

1 table, 11 ref

045748   PURI K, VEL A S, MANOHARAN N, JAMES R A, JOSHI R (Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, Email: genetics_1407@yahoo.co.in) : Pro-environmental attitude and behaviour of rural students – A case study from Bhopal, Madhya pradesh, India. Int J Sci Nat 2020, 11(2), 39-40.

The purpose of this study was to assess environmental literacy which includes the dimensions of environmental attitudes and behaviour among rural school students in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Environment education has been introduced as a regular course in formal school education system following the directive of the Honorable Supreme Court of India. The population for the study was VIII and IX class school students. This study was primarily based on field survey, wherein students responded to predefined questionnaire covering environment aspects. A total of 120 students were randomly selected and students responded voluntarily. The environmentally responsive behavior of these students are great indicators of how environment education is progressing in rural areas.

3 tables, 9 ref

045744   IQBAL S, MAHMOOD S, MUBEEN I, KHALID Z, AYAZ M (Huazhong Agricultural Univ, Wuhan- 430 070, P.R. China, Email: shehzadbhutta02@gmail.com) : Molecular interaction between candidatus liberibacter asiaticus and citrus: A review. Int J Sci Nat 2020, 11(2), 17-23.

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating disease of citrus, is associated with infection by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a phloem-limited, fastidious α-proteobacteria in the family Rhizobiacea and is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. In this study, the molecular basis of citrus-HLB interactions has been studied using transcriptome analyses, and these analyses have identified many pathways modulated by C. las infection among different citrus cultivars. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) activity of flg22 in Las is weaker than those in other well studied plant pathogenic bacteria. Predecessors thought that host citrus plants have not evolved sufficient immune responses to effectively prevent infection. The accessibility of high throughput sequencing, transcriptomes and proteomes have functional to Las-infected plants and treated plants; as a result, numerous characteristic innate immunity elicitors, transcription factors, defense responsive components, and signaling molecules have revealed. This aspect, the relationship between Ca. Liberibacters and citrus now can be interpreted from a plant innate immunity perspective. As a counteraction, plants have evolved cellular processes that can specifically recognize the effectors, either directly or indirectly, by producing disease resistance (R) proteins. HLB strongly affected pathways and processes, such as sugar and starch metabolism, cell wall metabolism, stress response, hormone signaling and phloem genes were significantly altered in citrus. This study helps to understanding some aspects related interaction between Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and citrus and helps to developing defense against Huanglongbing in future.

1 illus, 45 ref

045742   JAGDALE Y L, SAKDEO B M, ALI S S (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pune– 413 115, Email: yljagdale@gmail.com) : Effect of training & pruning techniques on yield & quality of capsicum under protected cultivation. Int J Sci Nat 2020, 11(1), 8-9.

The present investigation was carried out during 2017-2018 & 2018-2019 with the objective of observing the effect of the tested systems of pruning on vegetative, fruiting, yield and quality traits of capsicum varieties on farmer’s field of Baramati tahasil. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with one replications and two treatments with Indra, Bachata and Inspiration cultivars of capsicum pruned with two intensities i.e. two shoots and un- pruned (control). The results showed that the two stem pruning treatment significantly affected the plant growth and the average weight of fruit is increased i.e. 226 gm in comparison with farmers practice only getting 175 gm average fruit weight. It was observed that the yield of capsicum was increased by 23.67 % as compared to farmers practice with the good quality fruit production. The average yield obtained in trial plot was 79.40 ton/ha as compared to 64.20 tons/ha from farmers practice. The net returns Rs.15,43,000/- per ha and B: C ratio is 1: 3.8 ratio were also recorded highest in treatment plots as compared to local check net returns Rs.10, 90,064.4/- per ha and B: C (1: 2.3) ratio.

1 table, 8 ref

045742   JAGDALE Y L, SAKDEO B M, ALI S S (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pune– 413 115, Email: yljagdale@gmail.com) : Effect of training & pruning techniques on yield & quality of capsicum under protected cultivation. Int J Sci Nat 2020, 11(1), 8-9.

The present investigation was carried out during 2017-2018 & 2018-2019 with the objective of observing the effect of the tested systems of pruning on vegetative, fruiting, yield and quality traits of capsicum varieties on farmer’s field of Baramati tahasil. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with one replications and two treatments with Indra, Bachata and Inspiration cultivars of capsicum pruned with two intensities i.e. two shoots and un- pruned (control). The results showed that the two stem pruning treatment significantly affected the plant growth and the average weight of fruit is increased i.e. 226 gm in comparison with farmers practice only getting 175 gm average fruit weight. It was observed that the yield of capsicum was increased by 23.67 % as compared to farmers practice with the good quality fruit production. The average yield obtained in trial plot was 79.40 ton/ha as compared to 64.20 tons/ha from farmers practice. The net returns Rs.15,43,000/- per ha and B: C ratio is 1: 3.8 ratio were also recorded highest in treatment plots as compared to local check net returns Rs.10, 90,064.4/- per ha and B: C (1: 2.3) ratio.

1 table, 8 ref

045741   YAKUBU U P, IBRAHIM S U, BELLO O S (Federal Univ of Technology, Minna, Email: umar.yakubu@futminna.edu.ng) : Impact of some hydrological factors on phytoplankton community structures in agaie-lapai dam reservoir of Niger state, Nigeria. Int J Sci Nat 2020, 11(1), 1-4.

The impact of some hydrological factors (rainfall, inflow and depth of water) on phytoplankton biodiversity in Agaie- Lapai dam reservoir were studied by monthly sampling and measurements taken from May, 2013 to October, 2014. This reservoir is situated at 90 39ˊ N latitudes and 60 33ˊ E of longitudes. The reservoir is near Bakaje village at the confluence of the River Jatau and two other rivers, the Jimada and Chemi. Samples of phytoplankton were collected with plankton net of 50µm mesh size in designated stations within the reservoir. Seven (7) phytoplankton taxa are identified during the study belonging to Chrysophyta (with 99 spp), Bacillariophyta (104 spp), Chlorophyta (with 196 spp), Cyanophyta (with 21 spp), Euglenophyta (with 93 spp), Pyrrophyta (with 33 spp) and Cryptophyta (with 35spp). The highest level of impact of rainfall was corrected by the phytoplankton from the month of November to December. Cryptophyta recorded the highest respond while other phytoplankton taxa showed increase or decrease in the first and second seasons respectively. The Bacillariophyta and Euglenophyta taxa did not respond to the fall and rise of rainfall level while other phytoplankton taxa were significantly correlated by the rainfall.

4 illus, 14 ref

039387   VELLINGIRI S, DUTTA P, SINGH S, SATHISH L M, PINGLE S, BRAHMBHATT B (Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Email: priya.iiphg@gmail.com) : Combating climate change-induced heat stress: Assessing cool roofs and its impact on the indoor ambient temperature of the households in the urban slums of Ahmedabad. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(1), 25-9.

The rising global temperature and frequent heatwaves are the adverse effects of climate change. The causalities and ill impacts of the heat stress were higher among the slum dwellers because of the vulnerable household structures, which were made by heat-trapping materials like tin sheets, cement sheet (asbestos), plastic, and tarpaulin. The houses are not only dwellings but also a source of livelihood for many slum dwellers as they are involved in home-based work. The increase in the temperature of more than 40°C severely affects health and increases energy expenditures.  The present study conducted to identify the efficient cool roof technologies that reduce indoor temperature of the households and improve the heat resilience of dwellings located in the urban slums of Ahmedabad.  The performances of cool roof interventions were compared with the non intervention - roof types, namely, tin, asbestos/cement sheet, and concrete. Relative humidity/temperature data loggers (Lascar EL-USB-2-LCD, Sweden) were used to measure the indoor ambient temperature and humidity. The questionnaire-based survey also has been conducted to understand the socioeconomic status and the perceptions related to roofing and health.  The results revealed that selected cool roof technologies including Thermocol insulation, solar reflective white paint on the outer surface of the roof, and Modroof are effectively reducing the indoor temperature as compared to the non intervention roofing.Cool roof technologies have a wider scope as number of informal settlements are increasing across the cities in India and other developing countries. The governments may not able to provide proper housing to all these inhabitants due to various reasons including the land tenure of the habitats. Validated cool roof technologies can be promoted as these structures are not requires legal sanctions and easily dismantled and installed in multiple places and safeguards the investment of urban poor.

5 illus, 21 ref

039149   CHAI Y, WANG H, GE C (Shandong Univ, Weihai- 264 209, Email: changzige@sdu.edu.cn) : Maintenance mechanism of Enteromorpha prolifera green tide: From perspective of nutrients utilization. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 293-7.

Green tide caused by macroalgae is one of the global ocean ecological disasters and nutrients with high concentration are considered as materials base for the outbreak of green tide. Nevertheless, there is no continuous nutrients supply formacroalgae during their floating in sea areas. Thus, there must be special nutrients utilization strategy for the macroalgae to maintain growth and proliferation even if the nutrients in seawater can not supply enough nutrients for them. To verify the hypothesis, Enteromorpha prolifera responsible for green tide was exposed to nutrients with different concentrations.E. prolifera absorbed and stored excrescent nutrients when it encountered nutrient eutrophication, then released and reutilized those stored nutrients for growth and proliferation in the nutrient-shortage seawaters. Thus, the green tide can be maintained by the nutrients regulation ability of E. prolifera. Results of the present work may be helpful to provide enlightenment on prediction and controlling of macroalgae green tide. 

6 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

039146   IMCHEN T, EZAZ W (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa-403 004, Email: temjen.imchen@gmail.com) : Time course nutrient uptake study of some intertidal rocky shore macroalgae and the limiting effect due to synergistic interaction. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 287-92.

The time course nutrient uptake study of some intertidal rocky shore macroalgae showed a marked variation in the uptake of nutrients. In the present study, Caulerpa sertularioides, Padina tetrastomatica, Sargassum cinctum, and Gracilaria corticata which are slow growing assimilated ammonium, whereas the fast growing Chaetomorpha antennina, Ulvaflexuosa, and Ulva lactuca assimilated nitrate. Nitrate in the medium was assimilated quickly by these three species.It was below the detection level after five hours. The study showed that the characteristic of nutrient uptake varies between different macroalgae. The slow growing perennial macroalgae preferred ammonium and fast growing annuals preferrednitrate. The preference of different form of nitrogen is inferred to be mainly due to low energetic cost and opportunistic uptake. The combination of nutrient-N and phosphate in the medium showed a synergistic interactive effect in some of thealgae wherein the uptake of nutrient was slowed comparatively. This synergistic interactive effect was significant (P < 0.05) and these were observed in Caulerpa sertularioides, Chaetomorpha antennina,and Ulva lactuca.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

039141   SALARI-ALIABADI M A, MONJEZI-VEYSI M (Marine Biology Dep, Khorramshahr Univ of Marine Science and Technology, Iran, Email: Salari1346@yahoo.com) : Application of calcareous spicules for the identification of sea cucumbers in the rocky shores of northern Persian gulf. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 281-6.

Sea cucumbers as a large group of marine invertebrates have traditionally been demanded as a food with high nutritional value and for medicinal aims in Asia and the Middle East for many years. To identify and compare sea cucumber species in the tidal rocky northern coast of the Persian Gulf, samples were collected from six stations in the four seasons. Based on the results of morphological and microscopic aspects, two sea cucumber species were identified including, Holothuria parva and Holothuria arenicola from Holothuriidea, Echinodermata. Comparison based on the calcareous structures (spicules orcalcareous ossicles), is an important key in the identification, as it displays obvious differences between both species. The most common type of spicule of H. parva was various forms of rod shape, and for H. arenicola was related to Buttony spicules. Overall, our results indicated that skeletal microscopic structure can be used in the taxonomy of sea cucumbers,and also established the important role of calcareous spicules as an identification key to distinguish sea cucumber species.

4 illus, 8 tables, 35 ref

039062   SUNNY A R, REZA M J, CHOWDHURY M A, HASSAN M N, BATEN M A, HASAN M R, MONWAR M M, HOSSAIN M S, HOSSAIN M M (Coastal and Marine Fisheries Dep, Sylhet Agricultural Univ, Bangladesh, Email: atiksunny@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity assemblages and conservation necessities of ecologically sensitive natural wetlands of north-eastern Bangladesh. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 135-48.

North-Eastern region of Bangladesh is very promising for freshwater capture fisheries, nevertheless, comprehensive assessment on faunal composition and diversity assemblages of natural wetlands are scant. This study identifies theoccurrence, different biodiversity indices and composition of fish with various gear types by means of qualitative and quantitative approaches in Tanguarhaor and Dekarhaor. A total of 75 fish species were identified, of which 53 % were Cypriniformes, followed by Siluriformes (15 %), Perciformes (14 %), Channiformes (7 %) and Clupeiformes (4 %). Amongthe identified taxa 42 species were not threatened, 12 vulnerable, 11 endangered and 8 critically endangered. The values of diversity indices explicitly Shannon-Weiner (H'), Pielou evenness (J'), Margalef richness (d) and Simpson dominance(c) indices indicated that Tanguarhaor was more diversified and evenly distributed than Dekharhaor. For effective management of the haors comprehensive stock assessment, establishment of fish sanctuaries, and combination of input and output control is suggested.

5 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

039059   RAY D, MOHAPATRA A (Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, Email: anil2k7@gmail.com) : First report of ten grouper species (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) from the West Bengal coast, along the east coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 108-17.

Present paper reports 10 groupers (family Serranidae) from West Bengal coast on the east coast of India for the first time.These 10 species are Cephalopholis formosa, Epinephelus areolatus, E. bleekeri, E. caeruleopunctatus, E. erythrurus,E. fasciatus, E. longispinis, E. magniscuttis, E. radiatus, E. sexfasciatus. This paper provides comprehensive morphometriccharacters, description, photography and distribution of these 10 groupers.

11 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

039058   RAY D, MOHAPATRA A (Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, Email: anil2k7@gmail.com) : New record of five ornamental triggerfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from West Bengal coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 102-7.

The present paper reports five ornamental triggerfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) for the first time from the coastalwaters of West Bengal. The five species namely, Balistapus undulatus (Park, 1797) Balistoides viridescens (Bloch &Schneider, 1801), Canthidermis maculata (Bloch, 1786), Odonus niger (Ruppell, 1836) and Sufflamen fraenatum (Latreille,1804) are reported here for the first time from West Bengal coast with detailed morphometry.

5 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

039057   DASH D, ROY S, YADAV R, PATRO S, MOHAPATRA A (Marine Science Dep, Berhampur Univ, Odisha- 760 007, Email: shesdevpatro@yahoo.com) : First record of grunting toad fish, Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Batrachoidiformes: Batrachoididae) from Odisha Coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 99-101.

This paper reports Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758), a toadfish species for the first time from Odisha coast. The specimen was collected from the mangrove area of Mahanadi estuary at Paradeep. From Odisha coast only one species of fish from the Batrachoididae family, Austrobatrachus dussumieri (Valenciennes 1837), presently known as Colletteichthys dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1837) was reported. Here a systematic account of Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758) with its morphometry is reported for the first time as an additional record to the fish fauna of Odisha.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

039056   VINOTHKUMAR R, RAJKUMAR M, THIRUMALAISELVAN S, SARAVANAN R, REMYA L, BATCHA S M S, NAZAR A K A (ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi- 682 018, Email: vinothanars16@gmail.com) : First record of deformity in Chinese Pomfret, Pampus chinensis (Euphrasen, 1788) from Indian waters. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 95-8.

The Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis (Euphrasen, 1788) (Stromateidae) observed with deformity from fish landings atthe Jegathapattinam fishing harbour along Palk Bay coast of Tamil Nadu. The abnormality owing to fractional dorsal finmay call as ‘saddleback syndrome’ and this may be due to any kind of physical injury during early stages or to a higher chance of predation and in due course, the wound healed and the individual survive even with extreme deformed condition. Such a deformity for this species of Pomfret has never been documented from Indian waters and this could be the first record in Pampus chinensis.

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

039052   THOMAS L C, SATHISH T, JESLIN I J, SREERAG A, NANDAN S B, PADMAKUMAR K B (Marine Biology Dep, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Kochi-16, Email: kbpadmakumar@gmail.com) : Unusual mass shoreward movement of bivalve (Mollusca) Donax scortum Linnaeus along the coastal waters off Calicut - South Eastern Arabian Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 67-72.

Eutrophication and oxygen depletion are the major factors influencing the responses of benthic organisms in coastal ecosystems. Along the coastal waters of South Eastern Arabian Sea a mass shoreward movement of bivalve Donax scortum (locally referred as “eranthu”) occurred during end phase of summer monsoon upwelling. Possible reasons for this shoreward movement points to the low dissolved oxygen (0.25 ml L^-1) in the bottom waters. Intense blooms of large dinoflagellate species, Noctiluca scintillans were observed a week prior to this event along these coastal waters and the crashing related decaying might have resulted in lower DO values in the region. The study discuss on the deleterious effects of hypoxic conditions caused by summer monsoon algal blooms on benthic fauna of South Eastern Arabian Sea.

5 illus, 29 ref

026241   CHAROENSUK A, JAROENSUTASINEE M, JAROENSUTASINEE K (Walailak Univ, Nakhon Si Thammarat- 801 61, Thailand, Email: mullica.jn@gmail.com) : Quantitative and qualitative analysis of non-timber forest product after change in National Park designation of Parah forest in Thailand. J Environ Biol 2018, 39(3), 387-92.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an important aspect of forests and forest use in many parts of the world. The present study aims at examining how local communities have changed their ways of NTFP utilization in the Parah forest after Khao Nan National Park was designated as a national park in the year 2009. A questionnaire survey was conducted using 150 randomly selected households from four villages bordering the Parah forest, Khao Nan National Park. The questionnaires were divided into two categories: socio-economics and NTFP utilization. The socio-economics of the interviewees were composed of gender, age group, marital status, education level, number of members/household, principle occupation and level of income. Income was categorized into three income categories, which ranged from poor (< 334 $/month), moderate (334-500 $/month) and rich (>500 $/month), based on the Thailand minimum daily wage. NTFP utilization composed of type of NTFP, harvested quantity and harvesting frequency. NTFPs from the Parah forest were used by 74.67 % of villagers. No differences in the amount of all NTFPs obtained in 2007 and 2015 were found. However, the price of NTFPs has increased over the years, and so the value of NTFPs in the Parah forest in 2015 reached 2,773.36 US Dollars/household, which was much higher than that reported in 2007. The frequency of the NTFPs that were harvested by villagers, ranked from highest to lowest, were as follows: Parah seeds, honey, stink bean fruits (Parkia speciosa), fruits of Archidendron  spp., termite mushrooms (Termitomyces spp.), fruits of Parkia javanica, medicinal plants, jiringa fruits (Archidendron jiringa), fruits of Sandoricum koetjape and bamboo shoots. The harvesting quantity of NTFPs did not change after Khao Nan National Park was designated as a national park in the year 2009. The existence of a variety of Parah NTFPs are of great importance to the villagers; therefore future planning is needed for conservation and sustainable utilization.

1 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

026240   CHOUKSEY S, SINGH S, PANDEY R, TOMER V S (SHIATS, Allahabad – 211 007, Email: sandeepchouksey@hotmail.com) : Monitoring the status of human-wildlife conflict and its impact on community based conservation in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(2), 710 - 5.

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of the famous tiger reserve in India. The human wildlife conflict is on rise for few years. A total of 194 human casualties and 1960 livestock depredation were reported between 2001 to 2011. Out of 194 casualties, 6.7 % were lethal which caused death and 93.3 % were injuries. Out of these maximum 37.57 % (68) were reported by Jackal (Canis aureus) followed by 27.64 % (50) of Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), 20.99 % (38) by Wild boar (Sus scrofa), 8.84 % (16) by Tiger (Panthera tigris), 3.31 % (6) by Leopard (Panthera Pardus) and 1.65 % (3) by other carnivores. Out of 194 casualties 71.13 % were male and 28.87 % were female. The livestock killings were reported to be 1960 out of which maximum 81.78 % (1603) were by tiger followed by 17.60 % (345) by leopard and rest 0.62 % (12) by other carnivores. The mean livestock killing was 178.182 ± 42.82 (SE) per year. Discussions and surveys were made with affected peoples to know the views about conflict and its alleviation by using Close ended questionnaire. Total 180 individuals were surveyed. Out of these 151 (83.89 %) respondent felt that wildlife should be conserved while 29 (16.11 %) felt there is no need for conservation. Adequate compensation, habitat management practices, livestock and crop insurance scheme and bio fencing around the affected villages and conservation awareness could be the way to mitigate existing conflict.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

027475   KRISHNAN J, MATHIARASAN L (Life Sciences Dep, Central Univ of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, Email: jayalakshmi@cutn.ac.in;) : Prevalence of disease vectors in Lakshadweep Islands during post-monsoon season. J Vector Borne Dis 2018, 55(3), 189–96.

Increase of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in India has posed a question on the situation in Lakshadweep Islands, where VBDs are reported from time-to-time. The present investigation was aimed to assess the faunastic situation of the prevailing vectors along with their breeding sites in different islands of the Lakshadweep. Methods: Extensive surveys were carried out from November 2017 to January 2018 (post-monsoon season) randomly in the nine inhabited islands of Lakshadweep for conducting faunastic studies on mosquitoes and to know the basic binomics like breeding and resting preference of mosquitoes. The study islands included, Kavaratti, Agatti, Chetlat, Bitra, Amini, Kadmath, Andrott, Kalpeni and Kiltan. Both immature and adult collections were carried out by standard/appropriate sampling techniques. The obtained data were calculated and analysed in terms of different entomological indices A total of 3356 mosquitoes were collected during the study period which comprised of 16 species from nine genera. Out of the 16 species, six belonged to mosquito vectors. The collection included malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi; Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus; Bancroftian filariasis vector, Cx. quinquefasciatus; Brugian filariasis vector, Mansonia uniformis; and dengue and chikungunya vectors, Stegomya albopicta and St. aegypti. Stegomya albopicta was the most predominant species observed constituting 54% of the catch, followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. stephensi, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and St. aegypti constituting 10.5, 6, 3 and 1.2 %, respectively. Apart from vector species many non-vectors such as Heizmannia chandi, An. subpictus, An. varuna, Cx. sitiens, Cx. minutissimus, Cx. rubithoracis, Fredwardsius vittatus, Lutzia fuscana, Malaya genurostris and Armigeres subalbatus were also present in the study area. In Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep, a nonvector species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) babu was observed during the indoor resting collection. The major breeding sites which supported various mosquito species included, discarded plastic containers, tree holes, open sintex tanks (water storage tanks), unused wells, discarded tyres, discarded iron pots, unused and damaged boats, cement tanks, pleated plastic sheets, coral holes, pits and irrigation canals, discarded washing machines, and Colocasia plant leaf axils. Breteau index ranged between 65.3 and 110, CI ranged between 63.64 and 72.41; and HI ranged between 38.46 and 70 among the various islands. Entomological indices such as house index (HI), breteau index (BI) and pupal index (PI) were high in all the nine islands and exceeded the threshold levels specified by WHO, indicating high risk for dengue virus transmission in case of outbreaks. Occurrence of vector as well as non-vector species indicates that the global change in climate is causing notable changes in terms of breeding of vector and non-vector species in the islands. With the reported cases of VBDs and the presence of vectors species in Lakshadweep Islands, a stringent control measure needs to be implemented at the Lakshadweep Islands.

3 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

027468   APHALE D, KULKARNI A (Health and Biomedical Sciences Dep, Symbiosis International Univ, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: aarohikulkarni@praj.net) : Modifications and optimization of manual methods for polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing quality community DNA extraction from goat rumen digesta. Vet Wld 2018, 11(7), 990-1000.

A critical prerequisite for studying rumen microbial community by high throughput molecular biology methods is good quality community DNA. Current methods of extraction use kits designed for samples from the different origin for rumen. This puts stress on the development of a relevant manual method for DNA extraction. The objective of this study was to modify the existing methods of community DNA extraction and thereby systematic comparison of their efficiency based on DNA yield, purity, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and identification to determine the optimal DNA extraction methods whose DNA products reflect targeted bacterial communities special to rumen. Enzymatic method, Chemical method, Enzymatic + Chemical method, and Enzymatic + Chemical + Physical method were modified toward evaluation of community DNA extraction from solid, squeezed, and liquid fractions of goat rumen digesta. Each method was assessed critically for nucleic acid yield and its quality. The methods resulting in high nucleic acid yield, optimal purity ratios with intact band on agarose gel electrophoresis were optimized further. Optimized methods were studied using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal bacterial primers and 16S rRNA primers of targeted rumen bacteria. Methods denoting the presence of targeted rumen bacteria were assessed further with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identification studies. It led toward methods efficacy estimation for molecular biology applications. Effect of rumen sample preservation on community DNA extraction was also studied. Their mean standard deviation values were calculated to understand sampling criticality. Modified Chemical method (Cetrimonium bromide) and Enzymatic+Chemical+Physical (ECP) method (Lysozyme- Cetrimonium bromide-Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-freeze-thaw) could extract 835 ng/μl and 161 ng/μl community DNA from 1.5 g solid and 2 ml squeezed rumen digesta with purity ratios of 1.8 (A_{260 nm}/A_{280 nm}) and 2.3 (A_{260 nm}/A_{230 nm}) respectively. Comparative analysis showed the better efficiency of ECP method and chemical method toward freshly squeezed rumen digesta and solid rumen digesta. However, sample preservation at −80°C for 1.5 months drastically affected the yield and purity ratios of community DNA. New protocol revealed targeted microbial community having Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria such as Prevotella ruminicola, Streptococcus lutetiensis, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Selenomonas ruminantium. To date, this is the first report of modified methods wherein least chemicals and steps lead toward PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing quality community DNA extraction from goat rumen digesta. Detection of targeted rumen bacteria in solid and squeezed rumen digesta proves their strongest association with rumen fiber mat. It also marks the presence of distinct microbial communities in solid and squeezed rumen fractions that in turn differs the performance of each different method employed and yield of nucleic acid obtained. It also leaves a possibility of the presence of complex microbial consortia in squeezed rumen digesta whose DNA extraction methods need more attention. Finally, manual protocols of community DNA extraction may vary in different ruminant which suggests undertaking rigorous research in their establishment.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

028693   RAJPATHAK S N, BANERJEE R, MISHRA P G, KHEDKAR A M, PATIL Y M, JOSHI S R, DEOBAGKAR D D (Savitribai Phule Pune Univ, Pune - 411 007, Email: deepti.deobagkar@gmail.com) : An exploration of microbial and associated functional diversity in the OMZ and non-OMZ areas in the Bay of Bengal. J Biosci 2018, 43(4), 635–48.

Depletion of oxygen in certain marine areas creates oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), which can alter the species composition and abundance. We have carried out high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling from the Bay of Bengal (BOB) OMZ and non-OMZ areas. Typically, a total of 35 families of micro-organisms were identified as biomarkers for OMZ and non-OMZ regions in the BOB. Our analysis has identified families Pseudoalteromonadaceae, OM60 and Synechococcaceae to be abundant in oxygenated water, whereas organisms belonging to families Pelagibacteraceae and Caulobacteraceae, which are involved in sulphur and nitrogen metabolism, were prominent in the OMZ areas. Predictive functional analysis for these identified bacteria clearly that suggested an abundance of microbes with assimilatory sulphurreducing genes (cysl and csH) in the non-OMZ, while bacteria involved in dissimilatory sulphate reduction (known to carry aprA and aprB genes) were enriched in the OMZ areas. Comparative analysis with OMZ areas from Peru and Chile revealed that OMZ areas in the BOB are characterized by specific and distinctive bacterial diversity. Overall, the current analysis provides valuable documentation about the bacterial populations and their characteristics, which can generate pointers for their functional significance in the BOB.

6 illus, 1 table, 65 ref

029934   AGUNDEZ D, LAWALI S, MAHAMANE A, ALIA R, SOLINO M (National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (I, 28040, Madrid, Spain, Email: solino.mario@gmail.com) : Consumer preferences for Baobab products and implication for conservation and improvement policies of forest food resources in Niger (West Africa). Econ Bot 2018, 72(4), 396–410.

Consumer Preferences for Baobab Products and Implication for Conservation and Improvement Policies of Forest Food Resources in Niger (West Africa). Adansonia digitata L. (African baobab) provides a wide range of market products in Niger. These products are highly important in the traditional dishes and are also a cultural asset for the Nigerien households. The main objective of this study is to assess the local consumers’ preferences for marketed baobab products and to infer key elements in order to design conservation strategies at local and national levels. A total of 432 consumers were surveyed in eight rural and four urban markets in Niger. Results from a contingent valuation application show that 61 % of the consumers are willing to pay a mean of 24.7 % above the current market prices. These funds would favor the implementation of a conservation and improvement program for assuring the availability of baobab products in the market and conserving the baobab resources. Promoting health and food security based on the development of these products will likely also play a role in favoring the conservation of the species. 

4 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

028694   SILAMBARASAN K, RAJALAKSHMI E, SUNDARAMANICKAM A, SUJATHA K (Zoology Dep, Sir Theagaraya Coll, Chennai, Email: silambuplankton@hotmail.com) : Occurrence of a Pempheris flavicycla in Chennai coast, India. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 401–2.

The sweeper fish Pempheris flavicycla is recorded from Kasimedu fish landing center, Chennai, India, for the first time.

1 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

028695   SUR S, ROY S, CHAKRABARTI S (Zoology Dep, Vidyasagar Coll, Kolkata - 700006, Email: Chakrabarti32b@gmail.com) : New species and new records of Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from West Bengal, India. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 390–400.

Two new species viz., Acaricalus indicus n. sp. from Fern (indet) and Neooxycenus dilleniae n. sp. from Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (Dilleniaceae) are described from West Bengal. Four species viz., Acaphyllisa araucuriae Flechtmann (2000), Aculops pretoriensis Smith Meyer and Ueckermann (1990), Tetra tyrohylae Smith Meyer (1992) and Tetra visci Smith Meyer (1992) are recorded for the first time from India. Besides, 23 other species are reported for the first time from West Bengal. An eriophyoid species is recorded for the first time from a species of Fern in India.

26 illus, 43 ref

028690   MANANDHAR S, THAPA S, SHRESTHA T K, JYAKHWO R, WRIGHT W, ARYAL A (Tribhuvan Univ, Bhaktapur, Nepal, Email: sandhya.mdr31@gmail.com) : Population status and diurnal behaviour of the Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus (Brunnich, 1782) in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 363–75.

This study documents the population status and behaviour of the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) at two locations in the temperate environment of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. During the five-month study, from 14th July, 2014 to 2nd January, 2015, peak populations were observed in October, 2014 at Sallaghari (1550 individuals) and Keshar Mahal (949 individuals). The behavioural study resulted in 1130 observed events of 10 different behavioural activities at Sallaghari and 1158 events of the same activities at Keshar Mahal. Sleeping, grooming, wing spreading and wing flapping were frequently observed at both study sites. The behaviour of P. giganteus is influenced by the weather and air temperature irrespective of hours of the day and date of observation. Habitat destruction, lack of food, pollution and misconception were the major threats to P. giganteus perceived by local people in course of interviews. Knowledge regarding the population size and behaviours of wildlife species is essential to understand the conservation needs for the survival and management of wild animals and their habitat. This study provides baseline information for two populations of Indian flying fox (P. giganteus) in Kathmandu Valley Nepal.

6 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

028696   USOLTSEV V A, SHOBAIRI S O R, CHASOVSKIKH V P (Ural State Forest Engineering Univ, Yekaterinburg, 620100 Russian Federation, Email: omidshobeyri214@gmail.com) : Additive allometric models of single-tree biomass of two-needled pines as a basis of regional mensuration standards for Eurasia. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2752-8.

When using the unique in terms of the volumes of database on the level of a tree of the subgenus Pinus spp., the trans Eurasian additive allometric model of biomass of trees for Eurasian forests are developed for the first time, and thereby the combined problem of model additivity and generality is solved. The additive model of tree biomass of Pinus is harmonized in two ways: it eliminated the internal contradictions of the component and the total biomass equations, and in addition, it takes into account regional differences of trees of equal sizes on total, aboveground and underground biomass. The proposed model and corresponding tables for estimating tree biomass makes them possible to calculate two-needled pine biomass (t/ ha) on Eurasian forests when using measuring taxation.

3 illus, 7 tables, 17 ref

028692   PANDEY R K, KUMAR H (Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (S, Allahabad, U.P-211 007, Email: guruji.emergency@gmail.com) : Tree species diversity and composition in urban green spaces of Allahabad city (U.P). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2687-92.

Existing plantation and gardens, as an important component of urban green infrastructure, could make significant contributions to urban biodiversity. This paper is an attempt to quantify the species composition, floristic diversity, amenity ecological characteristics, habitat condition, and performance of trees in urban areas of Allahabad, Central India. Assessments of green spaces in urban areas provide guidance for urban planners to maintain the adequate amount of greenery in cities for human wellbeing as well as to maintain the biodiversity. In this study a total of one hundred sixty five quadrates of dimension 20 m × 20 m (6.6 ha) were laid to reveal tree diversity and richness of UGSs. Total 1464 stems belonging to 64 species of 60 genera and 28 families with > 10 cm girths at breast height (gbh) were inventoried. Fabaceae is the largest family with 13 species followed by Moraceae (6), Malvaceae (5); Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Meliaceae (4) each; and Sapotaceae, Arecaceae (3) each. Allahabad’s urban forest has a fairly un-healthy diversity, about 13.25 % of total tree density occupied by most abundant species P. longifolia. Other five top most species include P. longifolia, P. guajava, M. indica, W. bifurcata and P. pterocarpum contributed about 34.76 % to total tree density

2 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

028691   MONDAL S, BISWAS R, BASU S K, CHOWDHARY M (Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Darjeeling - 734 013, Email: mono_malda@yahoo.co.in) : Areca triandra Roxb. Ex Buch.-Ham. (Arecaceae): New record for West Bengal, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1700-2.

Areca triandra Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. is very similar to Areca catechu in sterile stage except sucker formation and it first time recorded from the boundary of West Bengal and also recorded from Eastern India after 65 years.

1 illus, 14 ref

028689   KOTUKHOV Y A, DANILOVA A N, ANUFRIYEVA O A, SULEIMENOV A N, SUMBAMBAYEV A A, KUBENTAEV S A (Altai Botanical Garden, Republic of Kazakhstan) : Ecological and biological features of Cypripedium at Katon-Karagay State National Natural Park. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1499-502.

The article presents the results of studying the ecological and biological features of three species of the genus Cypripedium : Cypripedium calceolus L. Cypripedium macranthon Sw . and Cypripedium ventricosum Sw. on the territory of Katon - Karagay State National Natural Park. It was established that in natural coenopopulations of species, similarities were found in ecological parameters, differences in phytocenotic structure, age spectrum, morphometric indicators, methods of reproduction.

14 ref

027474   JEYABASKARAN R, SAKTHIVEL M, RAMESHKUMAR P, JAYASANKAR J, VYASKHAN P, KRIPA V (ICAR-central marine fisheries research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi - 682 018, Email: jbcmfri@gmail.com) : Biosonar dysfunction and mass stranding of short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhyncus at Manapad, southeast coast of India- An emphatic key in demystifying the enigma?. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2077-86.

A mass stranding of 81 short-finned pilot whale (SFPW) Globicephala macrorhynchus along Manapad coast from 11th to 15th January, 2016 was reported. Along the same coast, 147 SFPW were reported to have stranded in the same month, 43 years ago. Morphometric measurements of stranded specimens were taken. Based on the necropsy and subsequent findings, the animals showed no obvious signs of health problems. The single most predominant cause to have triggered the recent mass stranding could be possibly biosonar dysfunction.

4 illus, 3 tables, 61 ref

027479   RENGGANI A N, GUO P F, WU W, PAVASE T R (Ocean China Univ, Qingdao, Shandong, China, Email: pfguo@ouc.edu.cn) : A comparative study on mangrove forests between Indonesia and China. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2056-70.

The rapid development of Asia Pacific region in the last decade had a significant impact on the environment and biodiversity. The land reclamation into forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, salt extraction, infrastructure and urban development are common practice by developing countries. Coastal wetlands such as Mangroves, Sea Grass Beds and Salt Marshes are being rapidly converted on large scale into other function around all over the world, leading to degradation on mangrove ecosystems. The degradation of mangrove areas appeared in Indonesia and China because of over-exploitation at a large scale. This alarming situation on mangrove ecosystem in Indonesia and China made these two countries to take serious actions. The degradation of mangrove ecosystems can be addressed through mangrove conservation, to restore the capacity of damaged mangrove ecosystem through appropriate conservation management strategies.

1 illus, 5 tables, 71 ref

027470   DAS R R, JEEVAMANI J J J, SANKAR R, KUMAR D S V, KRISHNAN P, RAMACHANDRAN P, RAMACHANDRAN R (Anna Campus Univ, Chennai - 600 025, Email: rramesh_au@yahoo.com) : Limited distribution of devil snail Faunus ater (Linnaeus, 1758) in tropical mangrove habitats of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2002-7.

Our study reports the occurrence of devil snail, Faunus ater from a mangrove habitat of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. The density of the aggregation of devil snail in the study area ranged from 100 to 640/m². Out of the 46 mangrove patches surveyed, this species was observed only in Aadbandar. Significantly, this study provides baseline information regarding the abundance and distribution of devil snail from the Indian subcontinent.

4 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

027476   MAHAPATRO D, PANIGRAHY R C, PANDA S, MISHRA R K, RAUT D, KARNA S K (Marine Sciences Dep, Berhampur Univ, Odisha, Email: debasish.marine@gmail.com) : First record of a flathead lobster from Chilika lagoon, Bay of Bengal. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1888-92.

Present study provides first ever prevalence report of two numbers of flat head lobster of species Thenus orientalis (Decapoda: Scyllaridae) from Chilika lagoon. Small sized lobster (12.1 cm) was collected from Magarmukh area (19°41'48.14"N & 85°24'47.96"E) whereas larger specimen (16.2 cm) was observed from Shipakuda region (19°39'54.51"N & 85°29'13.41"E). Occurrence of this species is of great socio-economic significance since; it is used as dietary delicacy in southern India and abroad.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

027480   SAVURIRAJAN M, LAKRA R K, EQUBAL J, SATYAM K, MEHER B, THIRUCHITRAMBALAM G (Ocean Studies & Marine Biology Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Port Blair-744112, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Email: tganesh.es@gmail.com) : A first record of Gomeza bicornis Gray 1831 (Decapod: Corystidae) in India, from seagrass habitat of Andaman Islands. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1866-9.

Gomeza bicornis is recorded for the first time from Andaman Islands at three different locations by core sample, during seagrass survey. It belongs to the family Corystidae which has 3 genera and 9 species, dwell in sandy substratum and burrows in seagrass habitat.

3 illus, 13 ref

027469   BEHERA D P, NAYAK L, SAHU S K (BGI-Research, China – 518 083, Email: sunilks@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Fresh record of the moon crab Matuta victor (Fabricius, 1781) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Matutidae) from the Odisha coast after a century. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1782-6.

The recurrence of common moon crab Matuta victor (Fabricius, 1781) was recorded from near shore waters of Gopalpur port of the Ganjam district, Odisha after a century. Totally ten specimens were collected which comprised of 5 males and 5 females. Matuta victor was first reported in Chilika Lake during 1915.

3 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

027481   VARGHESE M, MINI K G (ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi- 682 018, Email: mollykandathil@hotmail.com) : Finfish diversity of trawl landings at Pamban therkuvady in south-east coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1735-41.

The present research provides detailed information on the yearwise distributional patterns of fishes landed by trawl at Pamban therkuvady based on fortnightly samplings from September 2007 to April 2012. A total of 244 species belonging to 75 families under 18 orders were recorded. Quantitatively, Karalla dussumieri and family Leiognathidae dominated while by number of species, the family Carangidae contributed maximum with 20 species. The fish landing were the maximum during 2011-12 and was the minimum during 2008-09. Biodiversity studies were made using PRIMER 6 software. Different indices of conventional diversity as well as that of taxonomic distinctness based on dominance plot, dendrogram and funnel plots of delta+ and lambda+ are presented and discussed.

7 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

027473   HAMEL J A, ESKELAND E E, LEHMANN T K, STOVER P L (Biology Dep, Elon Univ, North Carolina, Email: jhamel2@elon.edu) : Reproductive costs for hybridizing female Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: Coreidae), but no evidence of selection against interspecific mating. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 17.

Individuals of different species sometimes mate in nature, and such behavior often carries costs, such as wasted gametes and inviable offspring. One context in which interspecific mating commonly occurs is when closely related species come into secondary contact. Here, we tested whether reproductive isolation is greater in an area of recent secondary contact than in allopatry for two closely related insect species, and we examined whether mating between individuals of these two species constitutes reproductive interference. In Florida, two species of squash bugs (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Anasa tristis DeGeer and Anasa andresii Guérin-Méneville) have been secondarily sympatric for ≥80 generations, and male A. andresii copulate with female A. tristis. Because hybridization is often costly for females, we predicted that secondarily sympatric females would be less likely to mate with heterospecifics than would allopatric females. We found no evidence of recent selection on reproductive isolation: females from both populations were equally likely to mate with heterospecifics, and heterospecific males did not make more mating attempts than conspecifics to achieve copulations. However, female A. tristis paired with heterospecifics produced many fewer eggs and offspring than females paired with conspecifics, and this did not differ according to whether females were from allopatric or sympatric populations. Our findings show that reproductive barriers between these species existed before secondary contact. We suggest that habitat use may limit encounter frequency, and that female choice, multiple mating, and postcopulatory processes may reduce costs for females. Consequently, we suggest that mating systems and ecological factors mediate the effects of reproductive interference.

2 illus, 2 tables, 63 ref

027471   GARCÍA-MARTÍNEZ M A, PRESA-PARRA E, VALENZUELA-GONZÁLEZ J E, LASA R (Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Veracruzana Univ, Veracruz, Mexico, Email: miguelgarcia05@uv.mx) : The fruit fly lure CeraTrap: An effective tool for the study of the arboreal ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 16.

Despite preliminary reports of ants trapped in food-baited fruit fly traps, little is known regarding the identity of the myrmecofauna that can be sampled using this technique. This study aimed to examine the inventory completeness, activity and species occurrence of canopy ant assemblages collected in baited traps used for monitoring fruit flies in different fruit orchards in central Veracruz, Mexico. The trap models used in the sampling were Multilure, McPhail glass, and 500 ml blue polyethylene bottles. Three commercial fruit fly food attractants (CeraTrap, Captor + Borax, and BioLure) and two grape juice products (Jumex grape juice and Tang) were used as baits for sampling. In total 3,626 ant workers belonging to 54 species, 19 genera, 10 tribes, and 5 subfamilies were collected. Among the five food attractants used in this study, CeraTrap recorded a markedly higher inventory completeness, ant activity and species occurrence per trap. This study reports for the first time the use of CeraTrap, as a promising and effective food attractant for collecting the foraging ants in the canopy of agroecosystems, which may be applicable to other habitats such as natural forests, mangroves, or agricultural settings such as coffee plantations.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

027472   HAGLER J R, NIETO D J, MACHTLEY S A, SPURGEON D W, HOGG B N, SWEZEY S L (Agriculture Dep, Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Email: james.hagler@ars.usda.gov) : Dynamics of predation on Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) in alfalfa trap-cropped organic strawberry. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 12.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)  (Fabales: Fabaceae) can be strategically planted as a trap crop for Lygus spp. in California’s organic strawberry fields. Alfalfa has been shown to attract both Lygus spp. and, in turn, a Lygus-specific parasitoid, Peristenus relictus (Ruthe) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, the impact of alfalfa trap-cropped strawberries on the Lygus spp. predator complex is unknown. Here we identify key predators of Lygus spp. found in organic strawberry. First, a general survey was conducted at an organic, non-trap cropped strawberry farm, to quantify predator abundance and to qualitatively assess their feeding activity on Lygus spp. We identified the 11 most abundant predator taxa present and, by using a Lygus-specific PCR assay, determined that about 18 % of the insects and spiders contained Lygus spp. remains in their guts. We then conducted a study to examine alfalfa’s role in conserving the most relevant predators in trap-cropped organic strawberries. Specifically, we quantified predator abundance and qualitatively measured predator feeding activity (by gut analysis) on Lygus spp. collected in strawberry plots either lacking or containing an alfalfa trap crop. Data revealed that some predator taxa, including the numerically dominant predator, Orius tristicolor (White) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), aggregated in alfalfa trap crops. The gut content analyses revealed that insect and spider predators collected from the alfalfa trap crop had a significantly higher proportion of their population containing Lygus spp. remains than those collected from nearby rows of strawberries. These results suggest that alfalfa trap cropping might be a useful tactic for conserving the biological control services of generalist predators in organically grown strawberries in California.

5 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

027477   MATSUO K, HIROSE Y, YOKOYAMA T, NAKAJIMA Y, YU-FENG H, BANNO Y (Kyushu Univ, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan, Email: matsuosudachi@scs.kyushu-u.ac.jp) : Discovery of a new species of Telenomus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) parasitic on eggs of bombyx mandarina and bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) in Japan and Taiwan. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 10.

We reared a Telenomus species from eggs of Bombyx mandarina (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and Bombyx mori (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) in Japan, and from eggs of B. mandarina in Taiwan. Morphological examination revealed that this Telenomus species is new to science. In this article, we describe it as Telenomus moricolus Matsuo et Hirose, sp. nov. Because B. mandarina is considered to be an ancestor of B. mori, a domestic insect, it is reasonable to assume that B. mandarina is an original host of T. moricolus. This is the second discovery of an egg parasitoid attacking wild and domesticated silkworms, following the first discovery of T. theophilae, a Chinese species. The significance of the discovery of T. moricolus is discussed in relation to examining the effects of host-insect domestication on egg parasitism.

10 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

027478   OWINGS C G, PICARD C J (Biology Dep, Indiana University–Purdue Indianapolis Univ, Indianapolis, Email: cgowings@iupui.edu) : New distribution record for Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Indiana, United States. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 8.

Determining range expansion for insect species is vital in order to evaluate their impact on new ecosystems and communities. This is particularly important for species which could be potentially harmful to humans or domestic animals. Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) can act as a facultative ectoparasite and has an extensive history as the primary inducer of sheep-strike in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. We present here the first record of this species in Indiana, United States. Lucilia cuprina’s range expansion northward in the United States may be indicative of changing environmental conditions conducive to the proliferation of this species into historically cooler climates. The presence of this species could significantly impact forensic death investigations utilizing dipteran larvae to estimate a minimum postmortem interval. If range expansion of this species is not taken into account by a forensic entomologist (especillay if L. cuprina is not known previously in their region), and if this species is misidentified as the closely related species Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae), an inaccurate minimum postmortem interval (PMI_MIN) estimation may be made. Therefore, the range expansion of this fly could have large impacts for many different entomological disciplines.

2 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

027482   WU P, AXMACHER J C, SONG X, ZHANG X, XU H, CHEN C, YU Z, LIU Y (China Agricultural Univ, China, Email: liuyh@cau.edu.cn) : Effects of plant diversity, vegetation composition, and habitat type on different functional trait groups of wild bees in rural Beijing. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 1.

The loss of flower-rich habitats and agricultural intensification have resulted in significant losses of wild bee diversity from agricultural landscapes that is increasingly threatening the pollination of zoochorous agricultural crops and agricultural sustainability. However, the links of different wild bee functional trait groups with habitat types and plant resources in agricultural landscapes remain poorly understood, thus impeding the formulation of effective policies for bee conservation. We therefore analyzed how bees representing different functional groups responded to variations in habitat type, vegetation composition and plant diversity. Natural shrubland sustained the highest diversity in bees overall, in large-sized bees, solitary bees and belowground-nesting bees, while each habitat harbored unique species. In half of the functional bee groups, species were negatively linked to tree coverage and herb coverage, respectively, while plant diversity was positively related to all functional groups except largesized bees and aboveground-nesting bees. Overall bee abundance was positively related to abundance of plants in the Sympetalae, and negatively related to abundance of plants in the Archichlamydeae. Different bee functional groups showed distinct preferences for different plant communities. In order to conserve the diversity of wild bees across functional groups to optimize associated pollination services, a diverse habitat mosaic, and particularly plant species in Sympetalae need to be promoted in agricultural landscapes. Future studies should aim to enhance our understanding of plant-pollinator associations and specific food requirement of different wild bee species for their effective conservation.

3 illus, 2 tables, 68 ref

026238   GANGULY I, CHAUHAN N S, VERMA P (Amity Univ, Noida- 201 303, Email: ishitaganguly23@gmail.com) : Assessment of human-macaque conflict and possible mitigation strategies in and around Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi NCR. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 823-7.

Human-macaque conflict in urban environment is one of most challenging issues for conservation biologists today. No information existed prior to this  study  to quantify attacks, injuries, bites and substantial property damages by urban rhesus macaquesin urban landscape of Delhi  NCR. The number of cases of human-monkey conflict was recorded from May 2016 to April 2017 by questionnaire survey method and direct encounter in and around Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. On average 14.74 % cases of attack, 12.01 % cases of injury, 11.15 % cases of bites, 15.56 % cases of snatching foods, 11.23 % cases of threatening, 11.49 % cases of entering into the houses, 11.36 % cases of property damage and 8.27 % of littering were found from select sites. The result of one-way ANOVA ($\alpha$= 0.05) shows the number of conflict cases varies significantly among localities of suburban areas (df = 6, F = 5.02, p < 0.001) and it shows significant difference (p < 0.05) among different sites of incidence (N=13). Age-class distribution of victims exhibits that the individuals are affected chronologically from age class 16-30 years (33.68 %), 0-15 years (24.49 %), 31-45 years (19.86 %), 46-60 years (14.04 %) and lastly 61-75 years (7.91 %). Mitigation strategies for human-monkey conflict and action plan have been suggested. Incidents of conflict showed significant seasonal differences among the study sites (p<0.001) and we calculated 34.04 % conflict cases in summer (March-June), 16.57 % in monsoon (July-September), 26.28 % in post monsoon (September-November) and 23.16 %  in winter (December-February) months. This study was conducted for the first time on urban rhesus macaques in Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and it provides the detailed quantitative measure of human-macaque conflict incidences in urban to suburban environment and recommends possible mitigation strategies.

1 illus, 12 ref

026237   MAURYA P K, GUPTA S, MAJHI S K (ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow- 226 002, Email: sullipkm@gmail.com) : Factors posing threat to the endangered catfish Clarias magur (hamilton 1822) and strategies for conservation. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 749-54.

The Clarias magur, commonly known as magur, is one of the widely preferred fish species because of less spine, high nutritional value and flesh quality. Recently, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) has declared C. magur as an endangered species. Several known and unknown factors are responsible for its population decline, over-exploitation in wild being one among them. Here, we have critically discussed the factors responsible for its declining population and possible strategies to conserve and revive the fishery. It is worth mentioning that, the culture of C. magur is more profitable than several other fish species cultured in India due to its unique characteristics of  less water and oxygen utilization. Thus, conservation and propagation through aquaculture is very much essential to revitalize the population of C. magur so that the biodiversity and ecological balance in nature could be maintained.

1 table, 13 ref

026236   SHAW S, MITRA S, MONDAL K (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: kausik.mondal2007@gmail.com) : Acanthopotamon panninigi, A new record in fresh water crab fauna of Mizoram, India. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 727-9.

Acanthopotamon panninigi (Bott, 1966) is an addition to the  freshwater crab diversity in North-East Himalaya, so far this species was reported from its type locality at Madhya Pradesh, so this report is important in view of zoo-geographical aspect due to the crabs are considered as an economic and bio indicator species of fresh water ecosystem.

1 illus, 6 ref

026239   HAIHUA W B W, YANPING F H Z (Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang- 330 000, China, Email: haihuawang998@sina.com) : Estimating some population parameters and stock assessment of Dark Sleeper Odontobutis potamophila in the Gaosha River, Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(5), 664-8.

A study was conducted to investigate the growth parameters, mortality and recruitment pattern of Odontobutis potamophila collected in the Gaosha river fish landing site, west part of Wuyuan County (Latitude: 29° 14' 29" N, Longitude: 117° 45' 49" E). O. potamophila were collected from November, 2013 to October, 2014. Growth parameters, asymptotic length (L$\infty$ = 192 mm and growth coefficient (k) = 0.22 year^-1. Growth performance index (Ø’) =3.91, total mortality (Z) = 0.72 year^-1 , natural mortality (M) = 0.32 year^-1, fishing mortality (F) = 0.40 year^-1 and exploitation rate (E) = 0.55 year^-1.The estimated exploitation rate (E) has slightly exceeded the optimum value of E indicating this species was sustainable exploitation in the study area. The exploitation ratios were computed as E_max = 0.61, E₁₀= 0.52, E₅₀= 0.34. The length at first capture at 50 %, (L_c ) was 77 mm. The recruitment pattern of the species was found continuous all-round the year with one peak. The observation of the annual recruitment of O. potamophila found to occur from May to July. Steady biomass also increased with length class until 121- 125 mm, and the total steady state biomass was found to be 2240 kg.

7 illus, 14 ref

026235   YURIMOTO A, YURIMOTO T, KASSIM F M (Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan, Email: yurimoto@outlook.com) : Wild otter observation on Gurney Drive coast in Penang Island, Malaysia. Int J Aquat Biol 2018, 6(3), 122-5.

Otter was irregularly observed on Gurney Drive coast in the northern part of Georgetown, Penang Island from June 2015 to March 2016. Authors examined relationship between the otters sighting date and time and the tide pattern. Otter was observed a total of five times on 27^th June, 17^th August, 6th December 2015, 14^th March, and 16^th March 2016. These otters were identified same species which was the smooth-coated otter, Lutrogale perspicillata, from the morphological characteristics. Swimming direction of the otters were characterized two patterns that the first was the otters swam from inner part to east coast in a cove of Gurney Drive coast and the second was the otters swam from the east coast to inner part of the cove. From this result, it was suggested that the otters swam to drive fish toward tide flow and the otters catch the fish efficiently.

4 illus, 8 ref