ANBALAGAN R, SIVAKAMI R
000045 ANBALAGAN R, SIVAKAMI R (PG & Research Zoology Dep, Arignar Anna Govt. Arts Coll, Musiri - 621 211, Email: drsiva17@gmail.com) : A preliminary study on biodiversity of cyanobacteria of Agniar Estuary, Pudukkottai. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2019, 9(1), 139-45.
In the present study, a total of 38 species belonging to 12 classes were recorded. Among the various classes, Oscillatoriaceae recorded maximum diversity by recording 10 species followed by Phormidiaceae recording five species and Nostocaceae by four species; while Chrococeaceae, Merispropediaceae and Microcystaceae recorded three species each, Scytonemataceae and Pseudoanabaenaceae were represented by two species and classes Dermocarpaceae, Synechoccaceae and Xenococcaceae were represented only by one species each. A familywise comparison reveals that Phormidiaceae and Sycotomateaceae preferred February to record their highest counts, while Dermococcaceae preferred May and Merispopediaceae recorded the maximal counts in June. However, Synechoccaceae registered their maxima in July while Nostococcaeceae preferred July and August and Chrococcaceae recorded their maxima in October.
2 tables, 35 ref
GAIKWAD R, GAIKWAD S, SHOUCHE Y, NATH B B
000046 GAIKWAD R, GAIKWAD S, SHOUCHE Y, NATH B B (Zoology Dep, Savitribai Phule Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Maharashtra, Email: bbnath@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic variations found in Indian honeybee species, Apis cerana Fabr. of North Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Indian J Exp Biol 2019, 57(1), 55-8.
Molecular systematics of honeybee species Apis cerana Fabr. inhabiting North Western Ghats of India have not been investigated till date. This is the first report of phylogenetic variation in Apis cerana bees sampled from five diverse ecotypes of North Western Ghats of Maharashtra, viz. Pune, Nashik, Mahabaleshwar, Bhimashankar and Wai. Over the years, taxonomy of honeybee has been mostly based on morphometric characters. In the present study, we carried out molecular phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence with respect to COI gene. It was further aimed to confirm the taxonomical status of A. cerana from the Western Ghats of India in comparison with the Asian populations of A. cerana.
3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref
UPADHYAYA N, JAIN R, UPADHYAYA R
000053 UPADHYAYA N, JAIN R, UPADHYAYA R (Chemistry Dep, S.S. Jain Subodh Girls Coll, Jaipur - 302 011, Email: upadhyayaneerja@gmail.com) : Role of sustainomics and external climate forcing mechanism in biodiversity extinction : An overview. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(1), 223-6.
Over millions of years, physiology and anatomy of the living organisms has been changed due to internal climate forcing mechanism. This has influenced the world wide distribution of species. External climate forcing mechanism has caused rapid rise in earth’s temperature and it is expected to rise by 2-4 °C by the end of the century. It has now been recognised as the most complex problem of present scenario and being concerned in almost every field of science. Climate change is the most sensitive issue which is a challenge not only for the government and society but also for each individual. In the present communication impact of external climate forcing mechanism on biodiversity and its extinction is being analysed and role of sustainomics for the same is overviewed. Studies reveal that the rate of speciation of flora and fauna is not in the accordance with the rate of externally enforced climate change. Thus, the increased rate of climate change has caused catastrophic mass extinction threat for plants, animals and insects in the anthrapocene era. The pattern of extinction and threatened species are not yet known. Various solutions for the problem have been suggested by the multidisciplinary researches, rooted by the sustainomics. These suggestions include to diverge from fossil fuel, to use renewables, to make and apply rules for 3Rs etc. Only cooperative involvement of social, scientific and industrial bodies may resolve the problem.
2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref
KATHIRVELU C
000047 KATHIRVELU C (Entomology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar - 608 002, Email: ckathirveluau@gmail.com) : Diversity of parasitic fauna of conventional rice ecosystem during Kuruvai season at Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(1), 164-7.
Arthropod natural enemies are often vital biological control agents of various insect pests of rice ecosystem which include a wide range of predators and parasitoids. Determining the natural enemies and biodiversity of rice fields is the first step to success in biological control and IIPM (Integrated production and pest management) programmes. In the present study, there were four methods of collection viz. sweep net, Malaise trap, UV light trap and yellow pan trap were used to gather parasitoids from ADT-36 rice variety during Kuruvai season (June - September) in 2012. The rice variety was cultivated following the conventional practices like application of inorganic manures, pesticides, micronutrients etc., The results of the diversity of parasitic fauna of conventional rice ecosystem revealed that a total of 889 parasitoids were collected through net sweep, 631 in Malaise trap, 534 in yellow pan trap and 308 in UV light trap during Kuruvai, 2012. Thirteen different agriculturally important parasitic families were collected and identified. Among the families collected, Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Scelionidae and Chalcididae were found predominant. Dryniidae was recorded only in yellow pan trap. Among the collection methods employed, Net sweep was found to be the best in collection of parasitoids than other methods in conventional rice ecosystems.
2 illus, 32 ref
SINGH D, SHARMA A, SHARMA N
000050 SINGH D, SHARMA A, SHARMA N (Jammu Univ, Jammu and Kashmir- 180 006, Email: nirazsharma@gmail.com) : Composition, richness and floristic diversity along an elevational gradient in a semi-disturbed treeline ecotone, Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir. J Appl Nat Sci 2019, 11(1), 23-34.
The paper deals with plant species richness -diversity relationship along the rising elevation in a semi-disturbed treeline ecotone in upper Bhaderwah, a part of lesser Himalaya. 253 plant species distributed over 170 genera and 62 families were recorded during the intensive field surveys carried during May 2014 to September 2016. These included 11 trees, 29 shrubs and 213 herb species with 247 angiosperms and 6 gymnosperms. Family Asteraceae with 37 species dominated the study area. Maximum richness (179) was observed at sub-alpine zone (Site IV) while the trees (H'=1.74) and shrubs (H'=2.48) revealed maximum diversity at Site III and herbs at Site IV (H'=4.60). The maximum even-ness for trees, shrubs and herbs was exhibited by sites III (J'=0.79), V (J'=0.87) and VI (J'=0.94), respectively. The diversity and evenness showed an incremental rise along the rising elevation reaching maxima at the mid elevation with Site-IV being the species rich and Site-VII species deficit, which implies that sub-alpine and alpine forests need effective monitoring and conservation.
8 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref
PRAMANIK D S
000049 PRAMANIK D S (Zoology Dep, D.R. Nayapalli Coll, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Fish species diversity and their assemblages of Devi Estuary in north east coast of India. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019, 7(1), 265-73.
Devi River Estuary of Odisha is one of the tributaries of Mahanadi reverine system which is the third river in India. It supports diverse fisheries to local communities as well as serves as the nursery ground for culture of important valuable estuarine fish Mugil cephalus. Present study was carried out to assess the fish diversity status and their assemblages in relation to some hydrological parameters. Fish samples were collected together with some water quality parameters from three sampling stations of Devi river estuary from May 2017 to October 2017. Diversity of fishes were analyzed using SPSS (16.0) software. Findings showed that highest Shannon-einner diversity value for pooled data was 1.970, Margalef species richness is 2.6876, Evenness index of 2.854. The major contributory species were Mugil cephalus, Rastrelliger kangagurta, Alectis indica, Rhabdosargus sarba and Lutjjanus indicus, Eleutheronema tetradactylum and Alectis indica.
14 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref
SMINA M S, REMYA V K, PRIMNA P
000051 SMINA M S, REMYA V K, PRIMNA P (Sree Narayana Coll, Thrissur, Kerala) : A study of zooplankton abundance and hydrology of Chettuva mangrove. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019, 7(1), 166-71.
The present study deals with zooplankton abundance and hydrology of Chettuva mangrove, Kerala. Monthly sampling was done in two stations (Station I- non mangrove area, Station II- mangrove area) for a period of seven months from January to July 2013. The zooplankton abundance was influenced by physic chemical factors of water. Their density showed considerable seasonal fluctuation with peak abundance during monsson and pre monsoon.
6 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref
SRIVASTAVA K, DAS S C S, THAKUR V R, ALAM A, JOSHI K D
000052 SRIVASTAVA K, DAS S C S, THAKUR V R, ALAM A, JOSHI K D (ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Biodiversity and spatio-temporal variation of periphyton of the River Ganga (Gangotri to Vindhyachal). Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019, 7(1), 109-15.
This is to study spatial and seasonal distribution pattern of periphytic taxa from Gangotri to Vindhyachal, as periphyton is important food for nibbling fishes like Rita rita and Botia sp. As diversity of river source create numerous habitat that contribute to structural diversity of spatial pattern in richness, density, taxonomic composition and distribution of periphytic flora. During summer periphytic deposition ranged from 170 ucm-2 (Gangotri), to 19180 ucm-2 , in winter it ranged from 60 ucm-2 (Gangotri), to 17340 ucm-2 (Kanpur bb), in monsoon from 20 ucm-2 (Gangotri), to 17390 ucm-2 (Farrukhabad). Centers of higher abundance were Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Kanpur, Allahabad, Tehri and Srinagar. It can be concluded that Ganga at Kanpur and Farrukhabad exhibited continuous higher periphytic abundance (density) in all the seasons. Most of the centres revealed higher diversity during summer, except Kanpur where maximum diversity was noticed in winters. Total 77 periphytic taxa were recorded belonging to various taxonomic groups (Bacillariophyceae-28, Chlorophyceae-21, Myxophyceae-12, Dianophyceae-12, Euglenophyceae-3, Protozoa-8, and Rotifera-3) having various species Bacillariophyceae was dominant at all the centres in monsoon and winter, but in summer season some centers revealed dominance of Chlorophyceae (Srinagar ab and bb) and Myxophyceae (Deoprayag, Narora bb, Farrukhabad and Allahabad). In our studies most abundant periphytic diatoms were Synedra, Cymbella Cyclotella, Gomphonema, Nitzschia and Navicula. Among them Synedra was omnipresent. From Gangotri to Narora bb Cymbella contributed as dominant taxa, but from Kanpur to Vindhyachal it was not observed as dominant taxa, instead of Cymbella, Nitzschia was most abundant.
5 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref
MUNIR S, KASEM A, AL-SHAHRIAR
000048 MUNIR S, KASEM A, AL-SHAHRIAR (Fisheries Tecnology Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh, Bangladesh) : Freshwater fishes of Sugandha river. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019, 7(1), 104-8.
The Sugandha is a coastal river under Jhalakathi district of Bangladesh. An ovservation was taken to know the existing freshwater fish status for a period of 10 months from January, 2015 to October, 2015. In total, 49 species under 9 orders, 23 families were identified. Perciformes was found to be the most dominant order consisting 35 % of the total fish population. Fifteen (15) common groups were recorded in the studied areas. Among the total identified fish species 13 threatened fish species were recorded from the River Sugandha in which 7 species (15 %) were found as Vulnerable (VU), 5 species (10 %) as Endangered (EN) and 1 species (2 %) as Critically Endangered (CR). Lack of ecological management initiatives are the major threats to fish biodiversity of Sugandha River. Banning indiscriminate killing of fish fry and fingerling with destructive fishing gears and raising awareness among the people are much needed for the conservation of threatened fish species of Sugandha River from the risk of extinction.
5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref
AHMAD H
000044 AHMAD H (Oceanography Dep, Chittagong Univ, Chittagong, Bangladesh) : A field assessment on Karnafully estuarine ecology. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019, 7(1), 35-8.
The Karnafully is the most important river of Chittagong division.it is originated from the lusai hill of Assam in India at latitude 22º53’N and longitude 92º27’E and has entered into Chittagong from northeastern side to the west and southwest direction and finally falls into the bay of Bengal (latitude 22º12’N and longitude 92º47’E) at Patenga. Karnafully River is full of biodiversity and enriched estuarine ecosystem. But it is degrading day by day in this report, Karnafully phytoplankton (13 species), zooplankton (10 species), benthos (11 species) and sediment from two sites have been studied plankton are higher during low tide than high tide. And from sediment texture sand are greater quantities. The study also involved determination physical-chemical parameters of Karnafully river estuary from different points (10 Ghat and 18 Ghat stations).
2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref
CHAROENSUK A, JAROENSUTASINEE M, JAROENSUTASINEE K
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
CHOUKSEY S, SINGH S, PANDEY R, TOMER V S
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
KRISHNAN J, MATHIARASAN L
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
APHALE D, KULKARNI A
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 (A260 nm/A280 nm) and 2.3 (A260 nm/A230 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
RAJPATHAK S N, BANERJEE R, MISHRA P G, KHEDKAR A M, PATIL Y M, JOSHI S R, DEOBAGKAR D D
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
AGUNDEZ D, LAWALI S, MAHAMANE A, ALIA R, SOLINO M
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
SILAMBARASAN K, RAJALAKSHMI E, SUNDARAMANICKAM A, SUJATHA K
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
SUR S, ROY S, CHAKRABARTI S
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
MANANDHAR S, THAPA S, SHRESTHA T K, JYAKHWO R, WRIGHT W, ARYAL A
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
USOLTSEV V A, SHOBAIRI S O R, CHASOVSKIKH V P
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
PANDEY R K, KUMAR H
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
MONDAL S, BISWAS R, BASU S K, CHOWDHARY M
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
KOTUKHOV Y A, DANILOVA A N, ANUFRIYEVA O A, SULEIMENOV A N, SUMBAMBAYEV A A, KUBENTAEV S A
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
JEYABASKARAN R, SAKTHIVEL M, RAMESHKUMAR P, JAYASANKAR J, VYASKHAN P, KRIPA V
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
RENGGANI A N, GUO P F, WU W, PAVASE T R
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
DAS R R, JEEVAMANI J J J, SANKAR R, KUMAR D S V, KRISHNAN P, RAMACHANDRAN P, RAMACHANDRAN R
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
MAHAPATRO D, PANIGRAHY R C, PANDA S, MISHRA R K, RAUT D, KARNA S K
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
SAVURIRAJAN M, LAKRA R K, EQUBAL J, SATYAM K, MEHER B, THIRUCHITRAMBALAM G
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
BEHERA D P, NAYAK L, SAHU S K
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
VARGHESE M, MINI K G
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
HAMEL J A, ESKELAND E E, LEHMANN T K, STOVER P L
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
GARCÍA-MARTÍNEZ M A, PRESA-PARRA E, VALENZUELA-GONZÁLEZ J E, LASA R
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
HAGLER J R, NIETO D J, MACHTLEY S A, SPURGEON D W, HOGG B N, SWEZEY S L
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
MATSUO K, HIROSE Y, YOKOYAMA T, NAKAJIMA Y, YU-FENG H, BANNO Y
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
OWINGS C G, PICARD C J
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 (PMIMIN) 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
WU P, AXMACHER J C, SONG X, ZHANG X, XU H, CHEN C, YU Z, LIU Y
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
GANGULY I, CHAUHAN N S, VERMA P
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 (= 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
MAURYA P K, GUPTA S, MAJHI S K
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
SHAW S, MITRA S, MONDAL K
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
HAIHUA W B W, YANPING F H Z
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 = 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 Emax = 0.61, E10= 0.52, E50= 0.34. The length at first capture at 50 %, (Lc ) 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
YURIMOTO A, YURIMOTO T, KASSIM F M
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 27th June, 17th August, 6th December 2015, 14th March, and 16th 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
BANYAL H S, KUMAR S
026234 BANYAL H S, KUMAR S (Desert Regional Centre, Jodhpur- 342 005, Email: dr.harinderbanyal@gmail.com) : Exploration of ichthyo faunal diversity in Jakham Stream, Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 161-3.
Fish collection was made from Jakham streams during 2014 to assess the composition of fish faunal diversity. Six species offishes belonging to Cypriniformes order were reported from the stream.
1 illus, 24 ref
KUMAR K, JOSHI P C, BADONI V
026233 KUMAR K, JOSHI P C, BADONI V (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable, MohalKullu, 175 126, Himachal Pradesh, Email: kishrokkothari5@gmail.com) : Variation in population density and biomass of grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), West Himalaya, India. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 125-35.
Estimation of population density and biomass of grasshoppers (Orthoptera) from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) was carried out during 1998-2000. All the selected sites fall within the buffer zone of NDBR and representing to Chamoli Garhwal administrative district of Uttarakhand State. Across the selected study sites, a total of 14 species of grasshopper belonging to 14 genera of 02 families were recorded. Among the recorded Orthopteran, Acrididae was the most dominant family with 8 species and 8 genera followed by Tettigonidae with 6 species and 6 genera. Maximum numbers of grasshopper's species diversity, population density, and biomass were recorded from the study sites located between low to mid altitudinal area and comparatively low diversity, density and biomass of grasshoppers were recorded from the study sites located in the high altitudinal area. Conocephalu maculates (Le. Guillou) is the only species among the tettigonids reported from higher altitudinal sites. The Acridid grasshoppers were diverse in their distribution among all the sites; expect the Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby), Spathosternum prasiniferum, Prasiniferum Walk and Gastrimarques transversus Thun. Across the years, it's observed that the diversity, population density, and biomass of the grasshoppers are highly influenced by seasonal pattern, weather, and climate of the study sites. Generally, higher density and biomass values of the grasshoppers were recorded during the rainy season while minimum values of density and biomass are recorded during the winter season.
7 illus, 2 tables, 88 ref
MALIK A, AJITA, GOYAL V, DALAL P
026232 MALIK A, AJITA, GOYAL V, DALAL P (Zoology Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak- 124 001, Email: vinaymalik71@gmail.com) : Avian fauna of Maharshi Dayanand University campus, Rohtak, Haryana. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 99-103.
Avifauna of Maharshi Dayanand University Campus, Rohtak was studied during May 2017 to April 2018. A total of 51 avian species belonging to 43 genera in 28 families distributed in 13 orders were reported. The passerine birds with 28 species dominated the 23 non passerine bird species. The campus harboured 43 resident species and 8 migrant species. All except Alexandrine Parakeet were having least concerned threat status. Family Turdinae representing five species dominated in the number of the species. Insectivorous feeding habit was the most dominant behaviour and was exhibited by 31 % of all the studied birds. The rich avian fauna of the university campus indicates the pertinent conservation strategies for the protection of birds in their natural ecosystems.
2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref
YADAV S K, PALANISAMY M, MURTHY G V S
025001 YADAV S K, PALANISAMY M, MURTHY G V S (Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Coimbatore - 641 003, Email: samy_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : New records of two red seaweeds from Kerala coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1042-6.
Present paper reports the occurrence of two red seaweeds i.e. Catenella impudica (Mont.) J. Agardh and Meristotheca papulosa (Mont.) J. Agardh (Order Gigartinales) for the first time from Kerala coast. Therefore, these are new additions to the seaweed flora of Kerala. Detailed taxonomic account of these two taxa have been provided for easy identification.
5 illus, 25 ref
SAHER N U, KANWAL N, GONDAL M A, AMANAT Z, QURESHI N A
024092 SAHER N U, KANWAL N, GONDAL M A, AMANAT Z, QURESHI N A (Karachi Univ, Pakistan, Email: noorusaher@yahoo.com) : Diversity indices and distribution of brachyuran crabs found in the lagoon waters of Sonmiani, Balochistan. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 712-20.
A total of 8 species of Brachyuran crabs was recorded,crabs belong to the family Portunidae were dominant and represented by 6 species. Portunus pelagicus and Portunus sanguinolentus were found throughout the years.Various ecological indices were calculated through the obtained data. The diversity ranged from 0.63 - 1.64, the richness varied from 0.84-1.76, the evenness ranged from 0.1- 0.35, the index of dominance varied from 0.36 - 0.73. Maximum diversity was recorded during Pre monsoon (yr. 2005-06). The ecological indices were positively correlated with environmental parameters.
4 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref
SAHER N U, NIAZI R M, QURESHI N A
024091 SAHER N U, NIAZI R M, QURESHI N A (Karachi Univ, Karachi- 752 70, Email: noorusaher@yahoo.com) : Occurrence and abundance of commercially important fish species of family Clupeidae and Engraulidae in the MianiHor, Sonmiani Bay, Balochistan. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 702-11.
Family Clupeidae found dominant with 15 species in which Dussumieriaacuta, Ilisha megaloptera and Escualosa thoracata found abundant in most of the year, whereas Engraulidae family ranked second with 9 species among those the Stolephorus indicus, Thryssa vitrirostris and Thryssa mystax found in abundance. Species distribution and catch size varied with the months and showed a seasonal pattern in lagoon water. The change in salinity and temperature was observed as the main factor for change of species diversity and abundance in the Sonmiani Bay.
5 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref
MAHESH R, MURUGAN A, SARAVANAKUMAR A, KHAN F, SHANKER S
024090 MAHESH R, MURUGAN A, SARAVANAKUMAR A, KHAN F, SHANKER S (Annamalai Univ, Tamil Nadu-608 502, Email: asarvaan@gmail.com) : New distributional record of the endemic estuarine sand whiting, Sillago vincenti McKay, 1980 from the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 660-4.
The Sillaginids, commonly known as sand whiting are one among the common fishes caught by the traditional fishers in estuarine ecosystems all along the Tamil Nadu coast. The present study records the new distributional range extension for Sillago vincenti from the waters of Pichavaram mangrove, whereas earlier reports were restricted to only the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar regions of the Tamil Nadu coast, whereas it enjoys a wide range of distribution both in the east and west coast of India. This study marks the additional extension of the distributional record for S. vincenti in the east coast of India. Biological information on these fishes will have ecological applications particularly on account on their extreme abundance in the mangrove waters. The present study is based on the collection of specimens from handline fishing practices undertaken in the shallow waters of Pichavaram mangroves, on the southeast coast of India.
2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref
NAIK R K, DAMARE S, YAPA K K A S, COSTA P M D, ROY R
024089 NAIK R K, DAMARE S, YAPA K K A S, COSTA P M D, ROY R (ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa- 403 804, Email: ravi@ncaor.gov.in) : First report of toxic Prorocentrum rhathymum (Dinophyceae) and its pigment composition from coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 645-52.
Prorocentrum rhathymum,a toxic dinoflagellate, was isolated for the first time from coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. Batch cultures were grown and cell pellets were extracted in methanol for analysis of algal toxin. LCMS/MS studies exhibited presence of dinophysis toxin 1 (DTX1) with no detectable Okadaic Acid. Growth rates varied between 0.23 day,-1 (exponential phase) and 0.05 day-1 (decline phase). Phytoplankton pigment studies revealed the presence of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c1c2, peridinin and diadinoxanthin. The average chlorophyll a production was found to be 163 pg cell-1 and ranged between 73 to 223 pg cell-1. Peridinin, the marker pigment of dinoflagellates, had an average value of 55 pg cell-1 and ranged between 30 – 114 pg cell-1. Further studies to identify its molecular diversity along with toxicity are presently underway. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful isolation and culturing of Prorocentrum rhathymum from this region.
5 illus, 30 ref
TRIPATHI S K
024088 TRIPATHI S K (Geological Survey of India, Kolkata- 700 091, Email: stripathi208@gmail.com) : Symbiont bearing foraminifera from inner shelf area of Great Nicobar Island, Andaman Sea: Coral retrieval. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 629-34.
Present study is an attempt to use algal symbiont bearing foraminifera as tool to monitor the coral ecology. Inner shelf area of Great Nicobar Islands have maximum abundance of symbiont bearing foraminifera, mainly Amphistegina lessonii, calcarina hispida, Baculogypsinoides spinosus, Heterostegina depressa, Planoperculina heterosteginoides, Operculina ammonoides, Cycloclypeus carpenteri, Planostegina operculinoides, Discorbis sp., and Sorites sp. Dominance of these different genera in the samples depicts congenial environment for reef ecology. Present study from inner shelf area shows maximum diversity of corals and symbiont bearing foraminifera, implies faunal retrieval and congenial environment for coral reefs.
4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref